SENIOR DIVISION No. 277 THIRD QUARTER 1964
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the Word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the study
of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts, to give
vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible. If God's
Word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of mind, a
nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these times."—
Steps to Christ,
page 9o.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge
myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school
lesson each day of the week.
Nam
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Marriage, Its Divine Origin and Purpose
2.
Comdradeship at Home
3.
The Privilege of Parenthood
4.
The Training of Children
5.
Guiding Our Young People
6.
Factors Involved in Making Homes Happy or Unhappy
7.
Fidelity in Marriage
8.
The Cause of Disease
9.
Temperance in All Things
10.
Our Food and Drink
11.
The Power of Habit
12.
Mental Health
13.
Religion and Health
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 277, July-September, 1964. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents a
year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A.
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Copyright, 1964, by Pacific Press Publishing
Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
THE CHRISTIAN HOME AND HEALTHFUL LIVING
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
The title for the quarter's lessons, "The
Christian Home and Healthful Living," sug-
gests that two separate topics will be con-
sidered in the same time period. But these
topics are not separate and distinct. They
are interrelated. They are parts of the great
scheme for living successfully.
In order for a human being to live suc-
cessfully he must make progress and reach
attainments in all four areas of human
activity: the spiritual, the mental, the social,
and the physical. Home life, in which all
phases of living have their source, provides
an ideal setting for a harmonious blending
of spiritual ideals, mental attainments, social
graces, and physical adequacy.
"Society is composed of families, and is
what the heads of families make it. Out
of the heart are 'the issues of life;' and the
heart of the community, of the church,
and of the nation is the houshold. The
well-being of society, the success of the
church, the prosperity of the nation, de-
pend upon home influences."—The
Advent-
ist Home,
page 15.
Texts listed with the initials N.E.B. are
quotations from the New English Bible.
Copyright: The Delegates of the Oxford
University Press and the Syndics of the
Cambridge University Press, 1961. Used by
permission of the Oxford University Press,
Inc., New York City.
Texts quoted from Moffatt are from: The
Moffatt Bible:
A New Translation,
by
James Moffatt. Copyright by James Mof-
fatt, 1954, reprinted by permission of
Harper & Row, Publishers, Inc., New York
City.
Lesson 1, for July 4, 1964
Marriage, Its Divine Origin and Purpose
MEMORY VERSE:
"Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor
of the Lord." Prov. 18:22.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 356-362; "The Adventist Home,"
pages 25-28; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To provide insight into God's purpose in establishing the family as the unit
for successful living.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13; read
Sunday:
Questions 1-3.
further from study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-6; begin
Thursday:
Finish reading study
reading study helps.
helps.
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[3
]
Lesson Outline:
III. A Sacred Relationship
7.
Kindred beliefs essential. Gen. 27:
46; 28:1; 1 Cor. 7:39, last part;
2 Cor. 6:14.
8.
An honorable relationship. Heb. 13:
4, first part.
9.
To endure for life. Rom. 7:2; Matt.
19:6, last part.
IV. Foundation for Family Life
10.
God's instruction to be fruitful.
Gen. 1:28, first part.
11.
The first loyalty. Gen. 2:24; Mark
10:6, 7.
12.
Close relationship between husband
and wife. Mark 10:8, 9.
13.
Gratefulness and thankfulness en-
joined. Prov. 18:22; 19:14.
Introduction
1.
Divinely Ordained
1.
For human companionship. Gen.
2:18.
2.
In Garden of Eden. Gen. 2:21-24.
3.
Approved by Jesus. John 2:1, 2.
H. To Bring Happiness
4.
A joyful life. Prov. 5:18.
5.
Bible example of a happy marriage.
Gen. 24:67.
6.
God's guidance and bride's wishes,
two factors for happiness. Gen. 24:
50 (first part), 58.
THE LESSON
habitant of a perfect world. But it was not
His purpose that man should live in soli-
tude...
"God Himself gave Adam a companion.
He provided 'an help meet for him'-a
helper corresponding to him-one who was
fitted to be his companion, and who could
be one with him in love and sympathy."-
The Adventist Home,
page 25.
2. By whom and when was the in-
stitution of marriage ordained? Gen.
2:21-24.
Introduction
We say it is "natural" for two young
people in love to look forward to the time
when they can unite their lives in marriage.
The reason it is natural is that God or-
dained it so and implanted in each human
personality the craving for affection and
loyalty from someone of the other sex.
There are certain primary reasons why
this divinely implanted desire for marriage
and family life is for the best interest of
human beings. First, God planned that
marriage should bring happiness-deep,
wholesome joy and satisfaction. Second,
God designed that marriage, properly con-
summated and maintained in its intended
sanctity, should contribute to the stability
of the characters of the husband and wife.
Third, God ordained that marriage, serv-
ing as the foundation of home life, should
provide the proper environment for the
birth, development, and training of the
members of the next generation.
Divinely Ordained
1. What is the divine plan for meet-
ing the human need for personal
companionship? Gen. 2:18.
NoTE.-"The Lord was pleased with this
last and noblest of all His creatures, and
designed that he should be the perfect in-
NOTE.-"Then
[at creation] marriage and
the Sabbath had their origin, twin institu-
tions for the glory of God in the benefit of
humanity. Then, as the Creator joined the
hands of the holy pair in wedlock, saying,
A man shall 'leave his father and his
mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and
they shall be one,' He enunciated the law
of marriage for all the children of Adam
to the close of time. That which the eternal
Father Himself had pronounced good was
the law of highest blessing and development
for man."-The
Adventist Home,
page 341.
"All who enter into matrimonial rela-
tions with a holy purpose-the husband to
obtain the pure affections of a woman's
heart, the wife to soften and improve her
husband's character and give it complete-
ness-fulfill God's purpose for them."-
Ibid.,
p. 99.
[ 4 ]
3.
Early in His earthly ministry
how did Jesus indicate His approval
of marriage and of, the customary
manner of instituting the marriage re-
lationship? John 2:1, 2.
NorE.—"There was to be a marriage in
Cana of Galilee. The parties were relatives
of Joseph and Mary. Christ knew of this
family gathering, and that many influential
persons would be brought together there, so,
in company with His newly made disciples,
He made His way to Cana. As soon as it
was known that Jesus had come to the
place, a special invitation was sent to Him
and His friends."—Ellen G. White,
My Life
Today,
page 186.
"[Christ] sanctioned marriage, recogniz-
ing it as an institution that He Himself had
established."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 356.
To Bring Happiness
4.
What attitude should a husband
(or wife) assume toward marriage?
Prov. 5:18.
NoTE.—"If marriage remains a sharing,
if there is always a mutual desire to please,
the passing years will but deepen and
strengthen the joys of companionship."—
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
on Prov. 5:18.
"Human love can never bear its precious
fruit until it is united with the divine nature
and trained to grow heavenward. Jesus
wants to see happy marriages, happy fire-
sides."—The
Adventist Home,
page 99.
5.
What is one classic Bible ex-
ample of a happy marriage? Gen.
24:67.
NOTE.—"And the result of that marriage
[Isaac and Rebekah's], as presented in the
Scriptures, is a tender and beautiful picture
of domestic
happiness."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 175.
6.
What two factors that contribute
to successful marriage were evident in
the marriage arrangement of Isaac
and Rebekah? Gen. 24:50 (first
part), 58.
No1E.—"What a contrast between the
course of Isaac and that pursued by the
youth of our time, even among professed
Christians! Young people too often feel
that the bestowal of their affections is a
matter in which self alone should be con-
sulted—a matter that neither God nor their
parents should in any wise control. Long
before they have reached manhood or
womanhood they think themselves compe-
tent to make their own choice, without the
aid of their parents. A few years of mar-
ried life are usually sufficient to show them
their error, but often too late to prevent its
baleful results. For the same lack of wis-
dom and self-control that dictated the
hasty choice is permitted to aggravate the
evil, until the marriage relation becomes a
galling yoke. Many have thus wrecked
their happiness in this life and their hope
of the life to
come."—Patriarchs and Proph-
ets,
page 175.
A Sacred Relationship
7.
What is a most important con-
sideration when marriage is contem-
plated? Gen. 27:46; 28:1; 1 Cor. 7:39
(last part); 2 Cor. 6:14.
NOTE.—"A wife is bound to her husband
as long as he lives. But if the husband die,
she is free to marry whom she will, pro-
vided the marriage is within the Lord's
fellowship." 1 Cor. 7:39, N.E.B.
Occasionally a Seventh-day Adventist en-
gaged to marry a member of another de-
nomination (Roman Catholic, Baptist,
Lutheran, etc.) is heard to say, "I am not
uniting with an unbeliever, with a person
who is an infidel or an atheist. I am
marrying one who believes in God, one
who believes in Christ, the Bible, and in
some other things that we accept." Thus
is raised the question, Who is an unbeliever?
In an inspired message given by Ellen G.
White to a Seventh-day Adventist woman
who was about to unite in wedlock with
a man not of our faith, she was told:
"Though the companion of your choice
f6
]
were in all other respects worthy (which he
is not), yet he has not accepted the truth
for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you
are forbidden of Heaven to unite yourself
with him. You cannot, without peril to
your soul, disregard this divine injunction."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 364.
8.
In contrast to worldly senti-
ments, what is the Christian appraisal
of marriage? Heb. 13:4, first part.
NoTE.—The first part of Hebrews 13:4
may be translated either "marriage is hon-
orable in all," or "let marriage be honor-
able in all." The fact that this clause stands
in a series of exhortations tends to favor
the latter translation. The counsel, "Let
marriage be honorable in all," is certainly
appropriate in an age of moral laxness and
infidelity. Interestingly, the New English
Bible gives both ideas in its translation of
the one clause in the Greek: "Marriage is
honorable; let us all keep it so."
9.
Since marriage is ordained by
God, how long should it endure?
Rom. 7:2; Matt. 19:6, last part.
NoTE.—"For I detest divorce and cruelty
to a wife, the Lord of hosts, the God of
Israel, declares. Take heed then to your-
selves, never be faithless." Mal. 2:16, Mof-
fatt.
Foundation for Family Life
10.
What command did God give
to Adam and Eve in regard to the
rearing of a family? Gen. 1:28, first
part.
NoTE.—"[God] ordained that men and
women should be united in holy wedlock,
to rear families whose members, crowned
with honor, should be recognized as mem-
bers of the family above."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 99.
11.
Which takes priority, the re-
lationship between husband and wife
or the relationship between the mar-
ried parties and their parents? Gen.
2:24; Mark 10:6, 7.
NOTE.—"The family tie is the closest, the
most tender and sacred, of any on earth.
It was designed to be a blessing to man-
kind. And it is a blessing wherever the
marriage covenant is entered into intelli-
gently, in the fear of God, and with due
consideration for its responsibilities."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 356, 357.
12.
How closely should the bond
of marriage draw a husband and wife
to each other? Mark 10:8, 9.
NOTE.—"Eve was created from a rib
taken from the side of Adam, signifying
that she was not to control him as the
head, nor to be trampled under his feet as
an inferior, but to stand by his side as an
equal, to be loved and protected by him.
A part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh
of his flesh, she was his second self; show-
ing the close union and the affectionate at-
tachment that should exist in this relation."
—The Adventist Home,
page 25.
13.
For whom should the happy
husband be grateful? To whom
should he give thanks? Prov. 18:22;
19:14.
NOTE.—"Your companionship in the mar-
riage relation should be close and tender,
holy and elevated, breathing a spiritual
power into your lives, that you may be
everything to each other that God's Word
requires. When you reach the condition
that the Lord desires you to reach, you will
find heaven below and God in your life."
—The Adventist Home,
page 112.
Questions for Meditation
1. Recognizing that one of the goals of
marriage is to bring happiness, where should
the Christian draw the line between per-
sonal gratification and ministry to the wel-
fare of the other family members?
[6
l
2. How can modern Christian young peo-
3. What are the conditions under which a
ple know the Lord's will in their selection
Christian husband and wife can expect the
of life partners as surely as Isaac and Re-
Lord to bless their marriage and their
bekah recognized the Lord's leading in their home?
marriage?
Lesson 2, for July 11, 1964
Comradeship at Home
MEMORY VERSE:
"[Love] doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is
not easily provoked, thinketh no evil." 1 Cor. 13:5.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 83-86, 105-120; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To discover the fundamentals by which Christian husbands and wives, par-
ents and children, may enjoy the high degree of happiness in homelife that
God intends.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11, 12; Read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Requisites for compatibility
1.
Love, the prime requisite to happi-
ness. Col. 3:19; Eph. 5:25.
2.
Agreement, the basis for harmony.
Amos 3:3.
3.
Personal purity and morality.
1 Thess. 4:3-5; Prov. 31:10-12.
4.
Skill in household arts. Prov. 31:
13-17; Titus 2:4, 5.
II. Deference to Each Other
5. Husbands to show honor to their
wives. 1 Peter 3:7.
6.
Love and esteem for others es-
sential. Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3.
7.
Characteristics of true love.
1 Cor. 13:4-6.
111.
Preserving the Individuality
8.
The husband, the head of the fam-
ily. 1 Peter 3 : 1, 6.
9.
Submission and love. Col. 3:18, 19.
10.
Husband to regard wife's welfare
as his own. Eph. 5:25, 28, 33.
IV. Christian Homemaking
11.
The rearing of children. Eph. 6:4.
12.
Unity in the joys and burdens of
the home. 1 Cor. 13:7, 8, first part.
THE LESSON
lating themselves to one another as mem-
bers of the family of God. Then their lives
will be of such a character as to give to the
world an object lesson of what families
who love God and keep His commandments
[11
Introduction
"God would have
our families symbols
of
the
family in heaven. Let parents and
children bear this in mind every day, re-
may be. Christ will be glorified; His peace
and grace and love will pervade the family
circle like a precious perfume. . . .
"Every home should be a place of love,
a place where the angels of God abide,
working with softening, subduing influence
upon the hearts of parents and children."
—The Adventist Home,
pages 17-19.
Requisites for Compatibility
1.
What emotion is the first requi-
site to happiness in marriage? Col.
3:19; Eph. 5:25. Compare Gen.
24:67.
NOTE.—"There are many who regard the
expression of love as a weakness, and they
maintain a reserve that repels others. This
spirit checks the current of sympathy. As
the social and generous impulses are re-
pressed, they wither, and the heart becomes
desolate and cold. We should beware of
this error. Love cannot long exist without
expression. Let not the heart of one con-
nected with you starve for the want of
kindness and sympathy."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 360.
"Let each give love rather than exact it.
Cultivate that which is noblest in your-
selves, and be quick to recognize the good
qualities in each other. The consciousness
of being appreciated is a wonderful stimulus
and satisfaction. Sympathy and respect en-
courage the striving after excellence, and
love itself increases as it stimulates to
nobler aims."—/bid., p. 361.
2.
What is the basis for harmony
when two people "walk together"?
Amos 3:3.
Ncrrn.—"No one who fears God can with-
out danger connect himself with one who
fears Him not. 'Can two walk together,
except they be agreed?' Amos 3:3. The
happiness and prosperity of the marriage
relation depends upon the unity of the
parties; but between the believer and the
unbeliever there is a radical difference of
tastes, inclinations, and purposes. They are
serving two masters, between whom there
can be no concord. However pure and
correct one's principles may be, the in-
fluence of an unbelieving companion will
have a tendency to lead away from God."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 174.
3.
What qualities of character are
necessary to the success of a marriage?
1 Thess. 4:3-5; Prov. 31:10-12.
NOTE.—"In all the deportment of one
who possesses true love, the grace of God
will be shown. Modesty, simplicity, sin-
cerity, morality, and religion will char-
acterize every step toward an alliance in
marriage."—Messages to Young People,
page 459.
"Let a young woman accept as a life
companion only one who possesses pure,
manly traits of character, one who is dili-
gent, aspiring, and honest, one who loves
and fears God. Let a young man seek one
to stand by his side who is fitted to bear
her share of life's burdens, one whose in-
fluence will ennoble and refine him, and
who will make him happy in her love."—
The Ministry of Healing,
page 359.
4.
What qualities and skills con-
tribute significantly to the success and
happiness of marriage? Prov. 31:13-
17; Titus 2:4, 5.
NOTE.—"Married life is not all romance;
it has its real difficulties and its homely
details. The wife must not consider herself
a doll, to be tended, but a woman; one to
put her shoulder under real, not imaginary,
burdens, and live an understanding,
thoughtful life, considering that there arc
other things to be thought of than herself."
—The Adventist Home,
pages 110, 111.
"In life's toilsome way let the husband
and father 'lead on softly,' as the compan-
ion of his journey is able to endure. Amidst
the world's eager rush for wealth and
power, let him learn to stay his steps, to
comfort and support the one who is called
to walk by his side."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 374.
Deference to Each Other
5.
What attitude should the Chris-
tian husband maintain toward his
wife? 1 Peter 3:7.
[ 8 ]
NOTE.—"Study to advance the happiness
of each other. Let there be mutual love,
mutual forbearance. Then marriage, instead
of being the end of love, will be as it were
the very beginning of love. The warmth
of true friendship, the love that binds heart
to heart, is a foretaste of the joys of
heaven."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
360.
6.
What general Christian princi-
ple should husband and wife bear in
mind in their relations with each
other? Rom. 12:10; Phil. 2:3.
NOTE.—"Love is a plant of heavenly
origin. It is not unreasonable; it is not
blind. It is pure and holy. But the passion
of the natural heart is another thing al-
together. While pure love will take God
into all its plans, and will be in perfect
harmony with the Spirit of God, passion
will be headstrong, rash, unreasonable, de-
fiant of all restraint, and will make the
object of its choice an
idol."—Messages to
Young People,
page 459.
7.
What are the characteristics of
true love? 1 Cor. 13:4-6.
NOTE.—"Much may be gained by self-
discipline in the home. . . . Let each make
life as pleasant as possible for the other.
Cultivate respect in the speech. Preserve
unity and love. Satan will have no power
over those who fully control themselves in
the home.
"We must have the Spirit of God, or we
can never have harmony in the home.. . .
We cannot cherish home affection with too
much care; for the home, if the Spirit of
the Lord dwells there, is a type of heaven.
. . . Everything that would tend to mar
the peace and unity of the family circle
must be repressed. Kindness and love, the
spirit of tenderness and forbearance, will be
cherished. If one errs, the other will exer-
cise Christlike forbearance."—My
Life To-
day,
page 84.
Preserving the Individuality
8.
Which one of the marital part-
ners is to take the initiative in the
affairs of the family? 1 Peter 3:1, 6.
NOTE.—"The Lord has constituted the
husband the head of the wife to be her
protector; he is the house-band of the
family, binding the members together, even
as Christ is the Head of the church and
the Saviour of the mystical body. Let every
husband who claims to love God carefully
study the requirements of God in his posi-
tion. Christ's authority is exercised in wis-
dom, in all kindness and gentleness; so let
the husband exercise his power and imitate
the great Head of the church."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 215.
9.
What balanced statements make
it clear that a Christian husband
should not take unfair advantage of
his status as head of the house? Col.
3:18, 19.
NOTE.—"In your life union your affec-
tions are to be tributary to each other's
happiness. Each is to minister to the hap-
piness of the other. This is the will of God
concerning you. But while you are to
blend as one, neither of you is to lose his
or her individuality in the other. God is
the owner of your individuality. Of Him
you are to ask: What is right? What is
wrong? How may I best fulfill the purpose
of my creation?"—The
Adventist Home,
page 103.
"Neither the husband nor the wife should
attempt to exercise over the other an arbi-
trary control. Do not try to compel each
other to yield to your wishes. You cannot
do this and retain each other's love. Be
kind, patient, and forebearing, considerate,
and courteous."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 361.
10.
What counsel indicates that the
wife is not to be downtrodden by her
husband? Eph. 5:25, 28, 33.
NOTE.—"Woman should fill the position
which God originally designed for her, as
her husband's equal."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 231.
Christian Homemaking
11.
How should the spirit of kindly
consideration in the Christian home
overflow to the children? Eph. 6:4.
[ 9 ]
NOTE.—"Fathers and mothers, you have
a solemn work to do. The eternal salva-
tion of your children depends upon your
course of action. How will you successfully
educate your children? Not by scolding,
for it will do no good. Talk to your chil-
dren as if you had confidence in their in-
telligence. Deal with them kindly, tenderly,
lovingly. Tell them what God would have
them do. Tell them that God would have
them educated and trained to be laborers
together with Him. When you act your
part, you can trust the Lord to act His
part."—Child Guidance,
page 33.
12. What degree of compatibility is
it possible for Christians to attain?
1 Cor. 13:7, 8, first part.
NOTE.—"The heart in which love rules
will not be filled with passion or revenge,
by injuries which pride and self-love would
deem unbearable. Love is unsuspecting,
ever placing the most favorable construc-
tion upon the motives and acts of others.
Love will never needlessly expose the faults
of others. It does not listen eagerly to un-
favorable reports, but rather seeks to bring
to mind some good qualities of the one de-
famed."—T estmonies, vol. 5,
pp. 168, 169.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Is "love" for each other, even though
other requisites for compatibility may be
lacking, a sufficient foundation on which
to build a marriage?
2.
How can a Christian husband and wife
avoid unhappiness in their home when they
have sincere convictions which do not
harmonize?
3.
To what extent should a Christian
husband and wife be forgiving of each
other's shortcomings?
Lesson 3, for July 18, 1964
The Privilege of Parenthood
MEMORY VERSE:
"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the
womb is His reward." Ps. 127:3.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 159-161, 172-174; "The Ministry of
Healing," pages 349-355, 371-378; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible
Dictionary."
AIM:
To help us become better acquainted with God's counsel to parents.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Parenthood Is Divinely Ordained
1.
The human race was to be per-
petuated through parenthood. Gen.
1:28; 3:20.
2.
The divine element in parenthood.
Gen. 33:5, last part.
(101
3.
Isaac and Rebekah's childless years.
Gen. 25:20 (first part), 26, last
part.
4.
Isaac's entreaty for a child. Gen.
25:21.
Parents Mold the Character
5.
The mother's influence on her un-
born child. Judges 13:2-4, 11-14.
6.
Character training to begin at birth.
Luke 1:15.
7.
Timothy, a product of godly train-
ing. 2 Tim. 1:5.
8.
The captive maid, an illustration of
religious training at home. 2 Kings
5:1-3.
III. Parenthood Brings Spiritual
Rewards
9.
Enoch's experience. Gen. 5:21, 22.
10.
Father-son relationship of Abraham
and Isaac. Gen. 22:6-9.
IV. Parenthood Carries Responsibilities
11.
Father to provide for his house-
hold. 1 Tim. 5:8.
12.
Children, a heritage of the Lord.
Ps. 127:3.
13.
Parental responsibility to be
respected. Ex. 20:12; Eph. 6:1, 2.
THE LESSON
Introduction
Just as a single person's happiness may
be increased by marriage, so the happiness
of a man and wife may be increased by
sharing their blessings with children. A
husband's love for his wife becomes broader
and fuller as she becomes the mother of
his children. A wife's appreciation of her
husband is similarly expanded as he as-
sumes the added responsibilities of being
a father. Ideally, parenthood will help to
emancipate a husband and wife from their
personal self-centeredness. It provides a
common interest—a united undertaking.
Parenthood offers a worthy incentive for
one's best personal efforts; for the mother
to make a comfortable, pleasant home and
to set an example of purity and nobility;
for the father to be deserving of his chil-
dren's honor and to provide a demonstra-
tion of personal loyalty. The birth of a
child inspires a new appreciation of God's
creative power. As the child grows, parent-
hood provides a new basis for knowing God
and His dealings with His human children,
a new understanding of such attributes as
kindness, forebearance, and forgiveness.
Parenthood sobers the parents' outlook with
the recognition that they are responsible
for bringing this child into the world; they
are also responsible for the present and
eternal welfare of this life which God has
entrusted to them.
Parenthood Is Divinely Ordained
1. By what means did God plan
to perpetuate the human race? Gen.
1:28; 3:20.
2.
Whom did the patriarch Jacob
recognize as the One who had given
him children? Gen. 33:5, last part.
NOTE.--"Children derive life and being
from their parents, and yet it is through the
creative power of God that your children
have life, for God is the Life-giver. Let it
be remembered that children are not to be
treated as though they were our own per-
sonal property. Children are the heritage of
the Lord, and the plan of redemption in-
cludes their salvation as well as ours. They
have been entrusted to parents in order
that they might be brought up in the nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord, that they
might be qualified to do their work in time
and eternity."—The
Adventist Home,
page
280.
3.
How long after their marriage
did Isaac and Rebekah remain child-
less? Gen. 25:20 (first part), 26, last
part.
4.
How earnest was Isaac in his de-
sire that he and Rebekah might have
children? Gen. 25:21.
Parents Mold the Character
5.
In what divine revelation do we
have evidence that an expectant moth-
er's ways of living have an important
influence on the child? Judges 13:
2-4, 11-14.
"Children are the heritage of
the Lord, and we are answer-
able to Him for our manage-
ment of His property."—Th
e
Adventist Home,
page 159.
NOTE.—"Both parents transmit their own
characteristics, mental and physical, their
dispositions and appetites, to their children.
As the result of parental intemperance chil-
dren often lack physical strength and
mental and moral power. Liquor drinkers
and tobacco users may, and do, transmit
their insatiable craving, their inflamed
blood and irritable nerves, to their chil-
dren. The licentious often bequeathe their
unholy desires, and even loathsome diseases,
as a legacy to their offspring. And as the
children have less power to resist tempta-
tion than had the parents, the tendency is
for each generation to fall lower and lower.
To a great degree parents are responsible
not only for the violent passions and per-
verted appetites of their children but for
the infirmities of the thousands born deaf,
blind, diseased, or
idiotic."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 561.
6.
How early in the life of John
the Baptist was the foundation laid
for his future spiritual status? Luke
1:15.
NOTE.—"Even the babe in its mother's
arms may dwell as under the shadow of the
Almighty through the faith of the praying
mother. John the Baptist was filled with
the Holy Spirit from his birth. If we will
live in communion with God, we too may
expect the divine Spirit to mold our little
ones, even from their earliest moments."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 512.
"Many whom God would use as His in-
struments have been disqualified at their
birth by the previous wrong habits of their
parents."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A Bible Commentary, vol.
2, p. 1005.
7.
What New Testament example
do we find of the spiritual benefits a
child may receive from a godly par-
ent? 2 Tim. 1:5.
NOTE.—"The faith of his [Timothy's]
mother and his grandmother in the sacred
oracles was to him a constant reminder of
the blessing in doing God's will. The Word
of God was the rule by which these two
godly women had guided Timothy. The
spiritual power of the lessons that he had
received from them kept him pure in speech
and unsullied by the evil influences with
which he was surrounded. Thus his home
instructors had cooperated with God in pre-
paring him to bear burdens."—The
Acts of
the Apostles,
page 203.
8.
From what may we infer that
the parents of the captive maid had
given their daughter religious train-
ing? 2 Kings 5:1-3.
NOTE.—"The conduct of the captive
maid, the way that she bore herself in that
heathen home, is a strong witness to the
power of early home training. There is no
higher trust than that committed to fa-
thers and mothers in the care and training
of their children. Parents have to do with
the very foundations of habit and char-
acter. By their example and teaching, the
future of their children is largely decided."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 245.
Parenthood Brings Spiritual
Rewards
9.
After the birth of his first child,
what experience came to Enoch? Gen.
5:21, 22.
NOTE.—"After the birth of his first son,
Enoch reached a higher experience; he was
drawn into a closer relationship with God.
He realized more fully his own obligations
and responsibility as a son of God. And as
he saw the child's love for its father, its
simple trust in his protection; as he felt
the deep, yearning tenderness of his own
heart for that first-born son, he learned a
precious lesson of the wonderful love of
God to men in the gift of His Son, and
the confidence which the children of God
may repose in their heavenly Father."—The
Adventist Home,
page 160.
[ 12 ]
10.
What great test involving fa-
ther-son relationships came to Abra-
ham? Gen. 22:6-9.
NOTE.—"Isaac had been trained from
childhood to ready, trusting obedience, and
as the purpose of God was opened before
him, he yielded a willing submission. He
was a sharer in Abraham's faith, and he
felt that he was honored in being called to
give his life as an offering to God. He
tenderly seeks to lighten the father's grief,
and encourages his nerveless hands to bind
the cords that confine him to the altar."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 152.
"The agony which he [Abraham] en-
dured during the dark days of that fearful
trial was permitted that he might under-
stand from his own experience something
of the greatness of the sacrifice made by
the infinite God for man's redemption."—
Ibid.,
p. 154.
Parenthood Carries Responsibilities
11.
What is a parent's responsibil-
ity for the material welfare of his
family? 1 Tim. 5:8.
12.
According to the psalmist, what
are children declared to be? Ps. 127:3.
NOTE.—"Children are the heritage of the
Lord, and we are answerable to Him for
our management of His property. . . . In
love, faith, and prayer let parents work
for their households, until with joy they
can come to God saying, 'Behold, I and the
children whom the Lord hath given me.'"
—The Adventist Home,
page 159.
13.
What is enjoined upon chil-
dren in the fifth commandment? Ex.
20:12; Eph. 6:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Parents are entitled to a degree
of love and respect which is due to no
other person. God Himself, who has placed
upon them a responsibility for the souls
committed to their charge, has ordained
that during the earlier years of life, parents
shall stand in the place of God to their
children."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
308.
Questions for Meditation
NOTE.—"He [God] did not intend that
your powers should rust by inaction, but
that they should strengthen by use.
"The religion you profess makes it as
much your duty to employ your time dur-
ing the six working days as to attend church
on the
Sabbath."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p.
179.
1.
How much, if any, of a child's even-
tual desire to serve God is inherited?
2.
How do father and mother share the
responsibility in the training of children?
3.
What can be done for the spiritual
development of a child born into a home
where one parent is an unbeliever?
Lesson 4, for July 25, 1964
The Training of Children
MEMORY VERSE:
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old,
he will not depart from it." Prov. 22:6.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 305-316; "Child Guidance," pages
26-28, 79-96; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 379, 380, 388-394; "S.D.A.
Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To help parents to know how to guide their children in character building.
[13]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General
survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; begin
reading study helps.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions
12,
13; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Examples, Child Training Pays
1.
Joseph. Gen. 39:9, last part.
2.
Moses. Ex. 2:8-10; Heb. 11:24-27.
3.
Samuel, circumstances of his birth
and early childhood. 1 Sam. 1:1, 2,
6, 24, 25 ; 2:11, 12.
4.
Samuel triumphed over hindering
circumstances. 1 Sam. 1:22, 24, 25;
2:18, 19, 26.
II. Children to Learn God's Word
5.
Abraham commended for training
of his children. Gen. 18:19.
6.
Israel instructed to teach religion in
the home. Deut. 6:4-7.
7.
God's own Son entrusted to a hu-
man family. Luke 1:26, 27, 30-33.
S. Evidence of Jesus' having learned
the Scriptures in His youth. Luke
2:40, 46, 47, 51, 52; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
III. Fundamentals of Child Training
9.
Solomon recommends punishment
as preferable to indulgence. Prov.
13:24; 19:18; 22:15.
10.
Fathers cautioned not to provoke
their children. Col. 3:21.
11.
Children to be brought up in nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord.
Eph. 6:4.
IV. Rewards of Parenthood
12.
A faithful mother's reward. Prov.
31:28.
13.
Promise to faithful parents. Pro \
22:6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
A child enters life as a helpless babe. His
powers of discretion are undeveloped. He
is unable to exercise judgment. He cannot
profit by experience, for as yet he has had
no experience.
It is the duty of parents, therefore, to
transfer to the child the benefits of their
experience and to coach him patiently in the
exercise of judgment and the making of
wise decisions.
The success of government within a home
depends on the greater wisdom of the par-
ents as compared with the children. When
parent have a realization of their responsi-
bility to God, then God, who is all-wise,
becomes the highest authority in the home.
The established line of authority, then, is
from God, through the parents, to the chil-
dren. Individual liberties can be exercised
so long as they are in harmony with the
regulations: first, divine law; and second,
the rules of the home.
Examples, Child Training Pays
1. What clear recognition of right
and wrong did Joseph manifest when
faced with a great temptation? Gen
39:9, last part.
NOTE.—"[Joseph] listened to his father's
instructions, and loved to obey God."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 209.
"In his childhood, Joseph had been taught
the love and fear of God. Often in his fa-
[ 14
ther's tent, under the Syrian stars, he had
been told the story of the night vision at
Bethel, of the ladder from heaven to earth,
and the descending and ascending angels,
and of Him who from the throne above re-
vealed Himself to Jacob. He had been told
the story of the conflict beside the Jabbok,
when, renouncing cherished sins, Jacob
stood conquerer, and received the title of
a prince with
God."—Education,
page 52.
2.
Who gave Moses his early train-
ing, and what decision did he make
"when he was come to years"? Ex.
2:8-10; Heb. 11:24-27.
NoTE.—"Younger than Joseph or Daniel
was Moses when removed from the shelter-
ing care of his childhood home; yet al-
ready the same agencies that shaped their
lives had molded his.
Only twelve years
did he spend with his Hebrew kindred;
but
during these years was laid the foundation
of his greatness; it was laid by the hand
of one little known to fame. Jochebed was
a woman and a slave. Her lot in life was
humble, her burden heavy. But through no
other woman, save Mary of Nazareth, has
the world received greater blessing. Know-
ing that her child must soon pass beyond
her care, . . . she sought to implant in his
heart love and loyalty to God. And faith-
fully was the work accomplished."—Educa-
tion, page 61, italics supplied.
3.
What were some of the unfavor-
able circumstances of Samuel's child-
hood? 1 Sam. 1:1, 2, 6, 24, 25;
2:11, 12.
NOTE.—Samuel's father had two wives;
these wives disagreed. When he was still a
mere child Samuel's mother took him to
live at the tabernacle. And the influences
at the tabernacle were wicked.
4.
Even though Hannah was able
to mold the character of her son for
only a few years, how successful was
she in helping Samuel to rise above
the evils of his surroundings? 1 Sam.
1:22, 24, 25; 2:18, 19, 26.
NoTE.—In spite of having to leave home
at a tender age, and in spite of living un-
der the influence of Eli's wicked sons, Sam-
uel came into "favor both with the Lord,
and also with men."
"When Samuel shall receive the crown
of glory, he will wave it in honor befOre
the throne and gladly acknowledge that the
faithful lessons of his mother, through the
merits of Christ, have crowned him with
immortal
glory."—The Adventist Home,
page 536.
Children to Learn God's Word
5.
What is said of Abraham's
management of his home? Gen. 18:19.
NOTE.—"I have chosen him, that he may
charge his children and his household after
him to keep the way of the Lord by doing
righteousness and justice." R.S.V.
"Abraham's affection for his children and
his household led him to guard their re-
ligious faith, to impart to them a knowl-
edge of the divine statutes, as the most
precious legacy he could transmit to them,
and through them to the world. All were
taught that they were under the rule of the
God of heaven. There was to be no op-
pression on the part of parents and no dis-
obedience on the part of children. God's
law had appointed to each his duties, and
only in obedience to it could any secure
happiness or prosperity."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 142.
6.
What command did Israel re-
ceive regarding religious instruction
in the home? Deut 6:4-7.
NOTE.—"God had commanded the He-
brews to teach their children His require-
ments and to make them acquainted with
all His dealings with their fathers. This
was one of the special duties of every par-
ent—one that was not to be delegated to
another. In the place of stranger lips the
loving hearts of the father and mother were
to give instruction to their children.
Thoughts of God were to be associated with
all the events of daily
life."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 592.
[ 15 ]
7.
To whom did God entrust the
childhood influences of His Son, the
world's Redeemer? Luke 1:26, 27,
30-33.
8.
What brief insight do we have
that Jesus early gained a familiarity
with the Scriptures which later en-
abled Him to withstand Satan's temp-
tations? Luke 2:40, 46, 47, 51, 52;
Matt. 4:4, 7, 10.
NorE.—"His [Jesus'] mother was His first
human teacher. From her lips and from the
scrolls of the prophets, He learned of
heavenly things. The very words which He
Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel
He was now taught at His mother's knee."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 70.
Fundamentals of Child Training
9.
What is Solomon's counsel to
parents in regard to correcting their
children? Prov. 13:24; 19:18; 22:15.
NOTE.—"Prompt and continual obedience
to wise parental rule will promote the hap-
piness of the children themselves as well as
the honor of God and the good of society.
Children should learn that in submission to
the laws of the household is their perfect
liberty. Christians will learn the same les-
son—that in their obedience to God's law
is their perfect freedom."—Ellen G. White,
My Life Today,
page 164.
"Whipping may be necessary when other
resorts fail; yet she [the mother] should
not use the rod if it is possible to avoid
doing so. But if milder measures prove in-
sufficient, punishment that will bring the
child to its senses should in love be ad-
ministered. Frequently one such correction
will be enough for a lifetime, to show the
child that he does not hold the lines of
control."—Counsels to Parents, Teachers,
and Students,
page 116.
10.
What caution are parents to use
in dealing with their children? Col.
3:21.
NoTE.—"Children have rights, they have
preferences, and when these preferences are
reasonable they should be respected."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 384.
11.
In still another verse which
warns against antagonizing children,
what counsel does Paul give on the
Christian method of child training?
Eph. 6:4.
NOTE.—"Give them the instruction, and
the correction, which belong to a Christian
upbringing."—Eph. 6:4, last part, N.E.B.
"We want a spirit of gentleness. We can-
not live right in the family circle without
it. In order to have the proper control of
our children, we must manifest a spirit of
gentleness and of meekness and of long-
suffering. We do not want to have a fault-
finding, fretful, scolding spirit. If we teach
them to have a spirit of gentleness, we must
have a spirit of gentleness ourselves; . . .
if we would have them manifest a spirit of
love toward us, we must manifest a gentle,
loving spirit toward them. But at the same
time there need be no weakness or unwise
indulgence on the part of parents."—My
Life Today,
page 53.
Rewards of Parenthood
12.
How will children reward a
faithful mother? Prov. 31:28.
NoTE.—"The greatest evidence of the
power of Christianity than can be presented
to the world is a well-ordered, well-disci-
plined family. This will recommend the
truth as nothing else can, for it is a living
witness of its practical power upon the
heart."—The
Adventist Home,
page 32.
13.
What divine assurance of fav-
orable outcome in the lives of their
children is given to the parents who
are diligent in training them? Prov.
22:6.
NoTE.—"Children, when they become of
age, will prize the parent who labored
116
1
faithfully, and would not permit them to
cherish wrong feelings or indulge in evil
habits."—The
Adventist Home,
page 292.
"With joy unutterable, parents see the
crown, the robe, the harp, given to their
children. The days of hope and fear are
ended. The seed sown with tears and prayers
may have seemed to be sown in vain,
but their harvest is reaped with joy at last.
Their children have been redeemed. Fa-
thers, mothers, shall the voices of your
children swell the song of gladness in that
day
?"—Child Guidance,
page 569.
Questions for Meditation
1.
How early in the child's life should the
parents begin to exercise discipline?
2.
How much is a child's character de-
velopment handicapped as a result of dif-
ferences between his father and mother in
their policies of child training?
3.
What are the criteria by which a
child's growing ability to act wisely may be
judged ?
4.
Is a parent responsible for the mis-
takes made by his grown child?
Lesson 5, for August 1, 1964
Guiding Our Young People
MEMORY VERSE:
"Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the
evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no
pleasure in them." Eccl.
12:1.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 455-458,
466-471, 512-520,
526-530;
"The Ministry of Healing," pages 395-406; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To enable parents to guide their adolescent youth into a mature Christian
experience.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4, 5; read
further from study helps.
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-9.
Wednesday: Questions 10-12.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Moral Responsibilities Begin Early
1.
"None of us liveth to himself."
Rom. 14:7, first part.
2.
Solomon warns the youth to "put
away evil." Eccl. 11:9, 10.
3.
Solomon recommends religious ex-
perience for youth. Eccl. 12:1.
II. Examples of Youthful Waywardness
4. Eli held responsible for wayward-
ness of his sons. 1 Sam. 2:12, 29,
34; 3:12, 13.
5. The prodigal remembered his fa-
ther's love. Luke 15:17-20.
III. Genuine Pleasure
6.
Defense against evil. Ps. 119:11;
1:1-3.
7.
Youth should not be enticed by sin-
ners to sin. Prov. 1:10, 15.
8.
The delightful way of life. Ps.
1:1, 2.
9.
Basis for choosing companions.
Ps. 119:63.
[ 17
IV. Respect for Authority
10.
Obedience to parents, civil author-
ity, and God. Eph. 6:1; Matt. 22:
21; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29.
11.
Disobedience to parents one of the
signs of last days. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
V. Choice of a Life Partner
12.
Responsibility of parents for right
marriage of their children. Deut.
6:6, 7; 7:3, 4; 8:19.
THE LESSON
NOTE.—"Read
the history of Abraham,
Jacob, and Joseph, of Moses, David, and
Elisha. Study the lives of men of later
times who have most worthily filled posi-
tions of trust and responsibility, the men
whose influence has been most effective
for the world's uplifting. . . .
"They did not spend their youth in
amusement. . . . They learned the lessons
of self-reliance and self-control. . . They
were governed by principle, and they grew
up pure and strong and true. When called
to their lifework, they brought to it physi-
cal and mental power, buoyancy of spirit,
ability to plan and execute, and steadfast-
ness in resistng evil, that made them a posi-
tive power for good in the world."—The
Minstry of Healing,
page 366.
3. What reason is offered the young
for dedicating themselves to God early
in life? Eccl. 12:1.
NOTE.—"The
young should be controlled
by firm principle, that they may rightly im-
prove the powers which God has given
them. . . . Since they cannot always have
the guidance and protection of parents and
guardians they need to be trained to self-
reliance and self-control. They must be
taught to think and act from conscientious
principle."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, pp. 651,
652.
Introduction
"Our homes should be a place of refuge
for the tempted youth. Many there are
who stand at the parting of the ways.
Every influence, every impression, is deter-
mining the choice that shapes their destiny
both here and hereafter. Evil invites them.
Its resorts are made bright and attractive.
They have a welcome for every corner. All
about us are youth who have no home, and
many whose homes have no helpful, up-
lifting power, and the youth drift into evil.
They are going down to ruin within the
very shadow of our own doors.
"These youth need a hand stretched out
to them in sympathy. Kind words simply
spoken, little attentions simply bestowed,
will sweep away the clouds of temptation
which gather over the soul. The true ex-
pression of heaven-born sympathy has
power to open the door of hearts that need
the fragrance of Christlike words, and the
simple, delicate touch of the spirit of
Christ's
love."—The Ministry of Healing,
page 354.
Moral Responsibilities Begin Early
1. What statement by the apostle
Paul may be used to help our youth
to recognize the dangers of worldly
pleasures? Rom. 14:7, first part.
NOTE.—"Worldly
pleasures are infatuat-
ing; and for their momentary enjoyment
many sacrifice the friendship of Heaven,
with the peace, love, and joy that it af-
fords."—My
Life Today,
page 212.
2. What warning and counsel did
Solomon give to the youth who feels
that he is justified in walking in his
own ways while he is young? Eccl.
11:9, 10.
"Success in any line demands
a definite aim. He who
would achieve true success in
life must keep steadily in
view the aim worthy of his
endeavor."—Education,
page
262.
[ 18 ]
Examples of Youthful
Waywardness
4.
Whom did God hold responsible
for the waywardness of the young
men Hophni and Phinehas? 1 Sam.
2:12, 29, 34; 3:12, 13.
NOTE.—"In this age of the world, chil-
dren should have strict watchcare. They
should be advised and restrained. Eli was
cursed of God because he did not promptly
and decidedly restrain his wicked sons. . . .
"Every son and daughter should be called
to account if absent from home at night.
Parents should know what company their
children are in and at whose house they
spend their
evenings."—Testimonies,
vol.
4, p. 651.
5.
What influence prompted the
prodigal son to abandon his godless
way of life? Luke 15:17-20.
Genuine Pleasure
6.
What constitutes part of the de-
fense against evil? Ps. 119:11; 1:1-3.
7.
What precaution must God-fear-
ing youth take in selecting their
recreation? Prov. 1:10, 15.
NOTE.—"You will be invited to attend
places of amusement. . . . If you are true
to Christ then, you will not try to form
excuses for your nonattendance, but will
plainly and modestly declare that you are
a child of God, and your principles would
not allow you to be in a place, even for
one occasion, where you could not invite
the presence of your Lord."—My
Life To-
day,
page 215.
"Christians have many sources of hap-
piness at their command, and they may tell
with unerring accuracy what pleasures are
lawful and right. They may enjoy such
recreations as will not dissipate the mind or
debase the soul, such as will not dissap-
point, and leave a sad afterinfluence to de-
stroy self-respect or bar the way to use-
fulness. If they can take Jesus with them,
and maintain a prayerful spirit, they are
perfectly safe."—/bid., p. 212.
8.
What way of life is followed by
a godly person? Ps. 1:1, 2.
NOTE.—"We believe that it is our privi-
lege every day of our lives to glorify God
upon the earth; that we are not to live in
this world merely for our own amusement,
merely to please ourselves. We are here to
benefit humanity, to be a blessing to so-
ciety."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 587.
9.
What is the proper basis on
which to select companions? Ps.
119:63.
NOTE.—"Those who truly love God will
not cultivate the society of those who do
not love Jesus. They will find that Chris-
tian society and conversation is food to
the soul, that in the society of those who
love God they breathe in the atmosphere
of heaven. Christians will exercise love and
sympathy one for another. The encourage-
ment given one to another, the esteem
manifested one for another, the helps, the
instruction, the reproofs, warnings, the
Christian counsel that should be found
among the followers of Christ will further
them in the spiritual life; for Christian fel-
lowshp is according to God's plan."—My
Life Today,
page 216.
Respect for Authority
10.
How does the Bible encourage
respect for authority? Eph. 6:1; Matt.
22:21; Rom. 13:1-7; Acts 5:29.
NOTE.—"There is no greater curse upon
households than to allow the youth to
have their own way. When parents regard
every wish of their children and indulge
them in what they know is not for their
[ 19
good, the children soon lose all respect for
their parents, all regard for the authority
of God or man, and are led captive at the
will of Satan. The influence of an ill-
regulated family is widespread and disas-
trous to all society. It accumulates in a tide
of evil that affects families, communities,
and governments."—Patriarchs
and Proph-
ets,
page 579.
11.
What practices in modern times
are to be avoided? 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
NoTE.—"It is by the youth and children
of today that the future of society is to
be determined, and what these youth and
children shall be depends upon the home.
To the lack of right home training may be
traced the larger share of the disease and
misery and crime that curse humanity. If
the home life were pure and true, if the
children who went forth from its care were
prepared to meet life's responsibilities and
dangers, what a change would be seen in
the world
!"—The Ministry of Healing,
page 351.
Choice of a Life Partner
12.
What general principle should
parents follow in counseling their
children about marriage? Deut. 6:
6, 7; 7:3, 4; 8:19.
NoTE.—"If there is any subject which
should be carefully considered and in which
the counsel of older and more experienced
persons should be sought, it is the subject
of marriage; if ever the Bible was needed
as a counselor, if ever divine guidance
should be sought in prayer, it is before
taking a step that binds persons together
for life. . . .
"Fathers and mothers should feel that a
duty devolves upon them to guide the af-
fections of the youth, that they may be
placed upon those who will be suitable
companions. They should feel it a duty, by
their own teaching and example, with the
assisting grace of God, to so mold the char-
acter of the children from their earliest
years that they will be pure and noble and
will be attracted to the good and true. Like
attracts like; like appreciates like. Let the
love for truth and purity and goodness be
early implanted in the soul, and the youth
will seek the society of those who possess
these characteristics."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
pages 175, 176.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What do you think of the practice of
dedicating a child to some specific lifework,
and then insisting that he follow this plan
irrespective of his own preferences?
2.
To what extent can a parent properly
govern his teen-ager's choice of compan-
ions?
3.
How can parents help their young peo-
ple prepare to be good husbands and wives?
Lesson 6, for August 8, 1964
Factors Involved in Making Homes Happy or Unhappy
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in
honor preferring one another." Rom. 12:10.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 15-20, 177-180, 190-194, 317-325,
421-429; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 388-394; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To study the factors that tend to make or break a home.
[ 20 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8; begin read-
ing study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; read
Check Here
further from study helps.
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Characteristics of a Godly Home
1.
The blessing and protection of God
rest upon it. Prov. 3:33, last part;
12:7, last part.
2.
Members seek perfection of char-
acter. Psalm 101:2.
3.
The members of the family love one
another. John 13:35.
4.
Members serve one another
humbly. Rom. 12:10.
5.
God is not forgotten in days of
prosperity. Deut. 8:10-14.
II. A Place for Devotion, Hospitality,
and Rest
6. Abraham and the family altar.
Gen. 12:7, 8; 13:3, 4.
7. Abraham and hospitality. Gen.
18:1-15.
8. Home to be a place of rest.
Ruth
1:9.
III. Characteristics of an Unhappy
Home
9. Envy and strife prevail. James
3:16.
10. Selfish ambition and jealousy mani-
fested. James 3:13-18.
11. Lack of unity is fatal. Mark 3:25.
IV. Good Homemaking
12. The role of the mother. Titus 2:
4, 5.
13. The role of the father. 1 Tim. 5:8.
14. Make first things first. Luke 10:
38-42.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Home should be made all that the word
implies. It should be a little heaven upon
earth, a place where the affections are culti-
vated instead of being studiously repressed.
Our happiness depends upon this cultiva-
tion of love, sympathy, and true courtesy
to one another."-The
Adventist Home,
page 15.
Characteristics of a Godly Home
1. What does God promise to do
for the homes of the righteous? Prov.
3:33, last part; 12:7, last part.
NOTE.
-"Men
and women, children and
youth, are measured in the scales of heaven
in accordance with that which they reveal
in their homelife. A Christian in the home
is a Christian everywhere. Religion brought
into the home exerts an influence that can-
not be measured."-Ellen G. White,
Sons
and Daughters of God,
page 255.
2. What high standard did the
psalmist seek to reach in his home?
Ps. 101:2.
NOTE.
-"Affection
cannot be lasting, even
in the home circle, unless there is a con-
formity of the will and disposition to the
1 21 ]
will of God. All the faculties and passions
are to be brought into harmony with the
attributes of Jesus Christ. If the father
and mother in the love and fear of God
unite their interests to have authority in•
the home, they will see the necessity of
much prayer, much sober reflection. And
as they seek God, their eyes will be opened
to see heavenly messengers present to pro-
tect them in answer to the prayer of faith.
They will overcome the weaknesses of their
character and go on unto perfection."—The
Adventist Home,
pages 315, 316.
3.
What identifying trait will be
seen in the lives of members of a
Christian home? John 13:35.
NOTE.—"Love's agencies have wonderful
power, for they are divine. The soft an-
swer that `turneth away wrath,' the love
that `suffereth long, and is kind,' the char-
ity that `covereth a multitude of sins'—
would we learn the lesson, with what power
for healing would our lives be gifted! How
life would be transformed and the earth be-
come a very likeness and foretaste of
heaven! . . .
"Home is to be the center of the purest
and most elevated affection. Peace, har-
mony, affection, and happiness should be
perseveringly cherished every day, until
these precious things abide in the hearts of
those who compose the family."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 195.
4.
What should be the attitude of
the members of the home to one an-
other? Rom. 12:10.
NoTE.—"In many families there is a great
lack of expressing affection one for an-
other. While there is no need of sentimen-
talism, there is need of expressing love and
tenderness in a chaste, pure, dignified way.
Many absolutely cultivate hardness of heart
and in word and action reveal the satanic
side of the character. Tender affection
should ever be cherished between husband
and wife, parents and children, brothers and
sisters.. . .
"Cultivate tenderness, affection, and love
that have expression in little courtesies, in
speech, in thoughtful attentions."—The
Ad-
ventist Home,
page 198.
5.
When are God's children most
often in danger of forgetting Him?
Deut. 8:10-14.
NOTE.—"In the midst of prosperity lurks
danger. Throughout the ages, riches and
honor have ever been attended with peril
to humility and spirituality. It is not the
empty cup that we have difficulty in carry-
ing; it is the cup full to the brim that must
be carefully balanced. Affliction and ad-
versity may cause sorrow, but it is pros-
perity that is most dangerous to spiritual
life. Unless the human subject is in con-
stant submission to the will of God, unless
he is sanctified by the truth, prosperity will
surely arouse the natural inclination to
presumption."—Prophets
and Kings,
pages
59, 60.
A Place for Devotion, Hospitality,
and Rest
6.
What did Abraham always es-
tablish close by his camp, no matter
where he wandered? Gen. 12:7, 8;
13:3, 4.
NOTE.—"The life of Abraham, the friend
of God, was a life of prayer. Wherever he
pitched his tent, close beside it was built an
altar, upon which was offered the morning
and evening sacrifice. . . .
"So the homes of Christians should be
lights in the world. . . . Fathers and moth-
ers, each morning and evening gather your
children around you, and in humble sup-
plication lift your hearts to God for help."
—My Life Today,
page 35.
7.
What Bible story illustrates the
fact that hospitality was practiced in
Abraham's home? Gen. 18:1-15. Com-
pare Heb. 13:2.
NOTE.
"God conferred great honor upon
Abraham. Angels of heaven walked and
talked with him as friend with friend.
[22
1
"Hearts that are filled with
the love of Christ can never
get very far apart. Religion
is love, and a Christian home
is one where love reigns and
finds expression in words and
acts of thoughtful kindness
and gentle courtesy."—The
Adventist Home,
page 94.
When judgments were about to be visited
upon Sodom, the fact was not hidden from
him, and he became an intercessor with
God for sinners. His interview with the
angels presents also a beautiful example
of
hospitality."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 138.
8.
What quality of an ideal home
did Naomi mention when speaking to
her daughters-in-law? Ruth 1:9.
NOTE.—"There are two institutions that
come down to us from Eden: (1) the Sab-
bath, a
time
of 'rest,' when, in a special
way, we dwell upon the evidences of God's
love for us and study how we may more
perfectly express our love toward Him; and
(2) the home, a
place
of 'rest,' where love
for one another should find its truest and
most complete expression. And where love
abides, there is peace."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary,
on Ruth 3:1.
Characteristics of an Unhappy
Home
9.
What traits are responsible for
much of the misery existing in un-
happy homes? James 3:16.
NoTE.—"By speaking kindly to their chil-
dren and praising them when they try to
do right, parents may encourage their ef-
forts, make them very happy, and throw
around the family circle a charm which
will chase away every dark shadow and
bring cheerful sunlight in. Mutual kind-
ness and forbearance will make home a
paradise and attract holy angels into the
family circle; but they will flee from a
house where there are unpleasant words,
fretfulness, and strife. Unkindness, com-
plaining, and anger shut Jesus from the
dwelling."—The
Adventist Home,
pages
421, 422.
10.
What lies at the root of strife
in the home? James 3:13-18.
NOTE.—"If Christ indeed is formed
within, the hope of glory, there will be
union and love in the home. Christ abid-
ing in the heart of the wife will be at
agreement with Christ abiding in the heart
of the husband. They will be striving to-
gether for the mansions Christ has gone to
prepare for those who love Him. . . . Ten-
der affection should ever be cherished be-
tween husband and wife, parents and chil-
dren, brothers and sisters. . . . It is the
duty of everyone in the family to be pleas-
ant, to speak kindly."—My
Life Today,
page 84.
11.
What fatal weakness brings
ruin to many homes? Mark 3:25.
NOTE.—"Parents should be careful not
to allow the spirit of dissension to creep
into the home; for this is one of Satan's
agents to make his impression on the char-
acter. If parents will strive for unity in the
home by inculcating the principles that
governed the life of Christ, dissension will
be driven out, and unity and love will abide
there."—The
Adventist Home,
page 178.
Good Homemaking
12.
What part will the mother play
in making home a desirable place?
Titus 2:4, 5.
NOTE.—"The king upon his throne has
no higher work than has the mother. The
mother is queen of her household. She has
23
in her power the molding of her children's
characters, that they may be fitted for the
higher, immortal life. An angel could not
ask for a higher mission; for in doing this
work she is doing service for God."—The
Adventist Home,
pages 231,
232.
13. What responsibility rests on the
father in regard to the needs of the
home? 1 Tim. 5:8.
Nora.—The following counsel was given
to a father regarding his responsibilities to
provide for his family:
"The religion you profess makes it as
much your duty to employ your time dur-
ing the six working days, as to attend
church on the Sabbath. You are not dili-
gent in business. You let hours, days, and
even weeks pass without accomplishing
anything. The very best sermon you could
preach to the world would be to show a
decided reformation in your life, and pro-
vide for your own
family."—Testimonies,
vol. 5,
p. 179.
14. How did Jesus gently point out
the importance of making first things
first in the home? Luke 10:38-42.
Nora.—"The 'one thing' that Martha
needed was a calm, devotional spirit, a
deeper anxiety for knowledge concerning
the future, immortal life, and the graces
necessary for spiritual advancement. She
needed less anxiety for the things which
pass away, and more for those things which
endure forever."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
525.
Questions for Meditation
1.
In what ways can "one well-ordered,
well-disciplined family" tell "more in be-
half of Christianity than all the sermons
that can be preached"?—The
Adventist
Home,
page 32.
2.
In what ways do parents lay the
foundation for the future happiness or un-
happiness of their children?
3.
In what ways do parents help to de-
termine whether religion will be attractive
or repulsive to their children?
Lesson 7, for August 15, 1964
Fidelity in Marriage
MEMORY VERSE:
"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatso-
ever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any
virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 326-347, 401-409; "S.D.A. Bible Com-
mentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To remind Seventh-day Adventist husbands and wives that God's standard of
fidelity in marriage remains unchanged despite the deteriorating morals of
this final generation.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. E
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 3-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 24
I
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Moral Laxness, a Sign of Our Times
1.
Condition of society in last genera-
tion. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.
2.
Cause of immoral conditions in the
world. James 1:14, 15.
II. God's Standard
3.
The seventh commandment. Ex.
20:14, 17.
4.
Sins of licentiousness bar admit-
tance into God's kingdom. 1 Cor.
5:1, 7-10; 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21.
5.
Marriage for life. Matt. 19:6.
6.
Fornication the only grounds for
divorce and remarriage. Matt. 5:
31, 32.
7. Both parties responsible for sanctity
of marriage. Prov. 31:10, 11.
III.
Guarding the Avenues to the Soul
8. Job's covenant with his eyes. Job
31:1.
9. Relationship between conversation
and character. Luke 6:45.
10. Relationship between the thought
and the deed. Matt. 5:27, 28; Phil.
4:8.
IV. Self-Discipline
11. Immorality is to be shunned by res-
olute self-discipline. 1 Cor. 6:18.
12. Guard well your heart. Prov. 4:23.
13. "Keep under" the body. 1 Cor.
9:27.
V. Reassurance
14. Hope in Christ, an anchor of the
soul. Heb. 6:18, 19.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Around every family there is a sacred
circle that should be kept unbroken. Within
this circle no other person has a right to
come. Let not the husband or the wife
permit another to share the confidences that
belong solely to themselves."-The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 361.
Moral Laxness, a Sign of
Our Times
1.
What conditions of worldly so-
ciety did Paul say were to characterize
the generation living just before the
second advent? 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Com-
pare Matt. 24:37-39.
2.
What is the basic cause of the
immoral conditions in the world?
James 1:14, 15. Compare 1 John 2:16.
NOTE.-"As soon as Satan can separate
the soul from God, the only Source of
strength, he will seek to arouse the unholy
desires of man's carnal
nature."-Patriarchs
and Prophets,
pages 717, 718.
"The liberties taken in this age of corrup-
tion should be no criterion for Christ's fol-
lowers. These fashionable exhibitions of
familiarity should not exist among Chris-
tians fitting for immortality. . . . How im-
portant that by their chastity and virtue
they stand in marked contrast to that class
who are controlled by brute passions!"-
The Adventist Home,
page 329.
God's Standard
3.
What principle is emphasized in
the seventh commandment? Ex. 20:
14, 17.
NoTE.-"This commandment [the sev-
enth] forbids not only act of impurity, but
sensual thoughts and desires, or any prac-
tice that tends to excite them. Purity is de-
manded not only in the outward life but
in the secret intents and emotions of the
heart. Christ, who taught the far-reaching
obligation of the law of God, declared the
evil thought or look to be as truly sin as
is the unlawful
deed."-Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 308.
E 25 1
4.
What did the apostle Paul say
would be denied to those who prac-
tice licentious sins? 1 Cor. 5:1, 7-10;
6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21.
No:I:E.—Adultery is not the only sin of
licentiousness that bars the way into the
kingdom of God. Death is the fate that
awaits all who do not repent of and for-
sake such sins. See Hebrews 13:4; Romans
1:26, 27, 32.
"As those who practice these defiling sins
are steadily increasing in the world and
would intrude themselves into our churches,
I warn you to give no place to them. Turn
from the seducer. Though a professed fol-
lower of Christ, he is Satan in the form of
man; he has borrowed the livery of heaven
that he may the better serve his master.
You should not for one moment give place
to an impure, covert suggestion; for even
this will stain the soul, as impure water
defiles the channel through which it passes.
"Choose poverty, reproach, separation
from friends, or any suffering rather than
to defile the soul with sin. Death before
dishonor or the transgression of God's law
should be the motto of every Christian."—
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 146, 147.
5.
What comment made by the
Master indicates that marriage is in-
tended to be for life? Matt. 19:6.
6.
What is the only circumstance
recognized in the Bible under which
divorce and remarriage is not con-
demned? Matt. 5:31, 32.
NOTE.—"A woman may be legally di-
vorced from her husband by the laws of the
land and yet not divorced in the sight of
God and according to the higher law. There
is only one sin, which is adultery, which can
place the husband or wife in
a
position
where they can be free from the marriage
vow in the sight of God. Although the laws
of the land may grant a divorce, yet they
are husband and wife still in the Bible
light, according to the laws of God."—The
Adventist Home,
page 344.
7.
What qualification of the true
wife indicates that she shares with her
husband the responsibility for pre-
serving the sanctity of their marriage?
Prov. 31:10, 11.
NOTE.—"Shall not the women professing
the truth keep strict guard over themselves,
lest the least encouragement be given to un-
warrantable familiarity? They may close
many a door of temptation if they will ob-
serve at all times strict reserve and pro-
priety of deportment."—The
Adventist
Home,
page 331.
Guarding the Avenues to the Soul
8.
How does Job indicate his rec-
ognition that the sight of the eyes
has its influence on the carnal de-
sires? Job 31:1.
NoTE.—David
(2
Sam. 11:2) fell into sin
by failing to guard well the avenues of his
soul. Unlike Joseph, he failed to repel
temptation at its onset, but let his eyes and
mind dwell on that which was not proper.
"The heart must be garrisoned as was
that of Joseph. Then temptations to de-
part from integrity will be met with de-
cision."—The
Adventist Home,
page 331.
"We have a work to do to resist tempta-
tion. Those who would not fall a prey to
Satan's devices must guard well the ave-
nues of the soul; they must avoid reading,
seeing, or hearing that which will suggest
impure thoughts. The mind should not be
left to wander at random upon every sub-
ject that the adversary of souls may
sug-
gest."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 460.
9.
What is the relationship between
conversation and character? Luke
6:45.
NOTE.—"As Christ's ambassador, I en-
treat you who profess present truth to
promptly resent any approach to impurity
and forsake the society of those who
breathe an impure suggestion. Loathe these
defiling sins with the most intense hatred.
Flee from those who would, even in con-
(
261
versation, let the mind run in such a
channel, 'for out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaketh.'
"—The Advent-
ist Home,
page 333.
10.
Since the cherished lustful
thought is sin, upon what is the Chris-
tian urged to meditate? Matt. 5:27,
28;
Phil. 4:8.
Self-Discipline
11.
What principle binds the God-
fearing person to maintain God's
standard of purity in personal rela-
tions? 1 Cor. 6:18. Compare Gen.
39:7-12.
NOTE.—"Joseph's answer reveals the
power of religious principle. He would not
betray the confidence of his master on
earth, and, whatever the consequences, he
would be true to his Master in heaven. Un-
der the inspecting eye of God and holy
angels, many take liberties of which they
would not be guilty in the presence of their
fellowmen; but Joseph's first thought was
of God. 'How can I do this great wicked-
ness, and sin against God?' he said. . . .
"Let the young ever remember that
wherever they are, and whatever they do,
they are in the presence of God. No part
of our conduct escapes observation. We
cannot hide our ways from the Most
High."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 217.
12.
Why is it important to guard
well the heart? Prov. 4:23.
NOTE.—"There should not be one de-
parture from reserve. One act of familiarity,
one indiscretion, may jeopardize the soul,
by opening the door to temptation and thus
weakening the power of resistance."—
Counsels on Health,
page 295.
13.
What insight did the apostle
Paul give indicating his own constant
need for self-discipline? 1 Cor. 9:27.
NOTE.—"Let those in whose hands God
has placed the light of truth, depart from
all iniquity. Let them walk in the paths
of rectitude, mastering every passion and
habit that would in any way mar the
work of God, or leave a spot upon its
sacredness.... By watchfulness and prayer,
. . . [one] may so guard his weakest points
that they will become his strongest points."
—Gospel Workers,
page 126.
Reassurance
14.
What assurance of stability of
character is held out to the Christian
who lays "hold upon the hope set
before us"? Heb. 6:18, 19.
NOTE.—"It is fellowship with Christ, per-
sonal contact with a living Saviour, that
enables the mind and heart and soul to
triumph over the lower
nature."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 388.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What precaution would have spared
King David from his sin of adultery?
2.
What may be the influence on one's
soul of watching dramatized entertainment
depicting infidelity in marriage?
3.
What can be done to improve the situ-
ation of the husband and wife who are "in-
compatible"?
4.
In view of the Christian's responsibil-
ity to maintain and guard the purity of the
relationships between men and women,
what standards should be held on the
modesty of dress?
Sabbath school lessons in Braille are supplied free to the blind upon
request. Address: The Christian Record Braille Foundation, Inc., 4444
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[ 27
1
Lesson 8, for August 22, 1964
The Causes of Disease
MEMORY VERSE:
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord." Rom. 6:23.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 52-62; "The Desire of Ages,"
pages 470, 471; "Testimonies," vol. 3, pp. 138-141; "S.D.A. Bible Commen-
tary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To discover (1) why the human race became susceptible to disease, (2)
whether disease is a specific punishment for sin, and (3) how the individual
can rise above the susceptibility to disease.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-9.
Tuesday: Questions 10-12.
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; begin
Check
Here
reading study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. The Introduction of Disease
1.
The primeval condition of man.
Gen. 1:27, 31.
2.
Cause of physical and mental de-
cline. Gen. 3:11, 19, 22-24.
3.
Man's disregard of physical laws.
Gen. 6:5.
4.
Effects of sin shown on life-span.
Gen. 5:5; 25:7; 47:28; 50:26;
Deut. 34:7; Ps. 90:10.
5.
Satan responsible for disease and
suffering. Luke 13:11-16; Acts
10:38.
II. Job's Experience
6.
His character. Job 1:1.
7.
His discouragement. Job 3:2, 3.
8. The reason for his affliction. Job
1:8-12; 2:3-6.
9. His repentance for doubting God's
goodness. Job 42:5, 6.
III. The Relation Between Sin and
Disease
10. Illustrated in the healing of the
man by the pool of Bethesda. John
5:5-9, 14.
11. Disease not to be considered a di-
rect punishment for personal sin.
John 9:1-3.
12. Disregard of the laws of health in-
creases susceptibility to disease.
Gal. 6:7.
IV. The Blessing of Health
13. Promised to obedient Israel. Ex.
23:25.
14. To be bestowed in the ultimate in
the new earth. Rev. 21:4; Isa.
33:24.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The first seven lessons for the quarter
have dealt with various aspects of Chris-
tian homelife. For the remaining six les-
sons of the series we shall study the prin-
ciples of healthful living. Successful home-
life and healthful living are closely related;
[287
a home cannot reach its ultimate of service
and happiness unless the members are
healthy persons. Furthermore, the home is
the place where the laws of health may be
taught best by both precept and example.
The Christian should be relatively free
from disease. He abstains from those
grossly sinful practices which leave misery
and disease in their wake. He has a faith
in God's watchcare that spares him from
the worries and anxieties that rob faithless
persons of their store of vital force and
thus make them susceptible to disease.
Health is a God-given blessing, but a bless-
ing which is conditional on compliance
with the principles of healthful living.
The Introduction of Disease
1.
What was God's verdict as He
looked over the newly created earth?
Gen. 1:27, 31.
NoTE.—"As man came forth from the
hand of His Creator, he was of lofty stature
and perfect symmetry. His countenance
bore the ruddy tint of health and glowed
with the light of life and
joy."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 45.
2.
What caused Adam and Eve's
physical and mental decline? Gen. 3:
11, 19, 22-24.
NOTE.—"Contrary to His [God's] com-
mand, they had eaten of the forbidden
tree. . . . From that time the race would
be afflicted by Satan's temptations. Instead
of the happy labor heretofore appointed
them, anxiety and toil were to be their lot.
They would be subject to disappointment,
grief, and pain, and finally to death. . . .
"In order to possess an endless existence,
man must continue to partake of the tree
of life. Deprived of this, his vitality would
gradually diminish until life should be-
come
extinct."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 59, 60.
3.
What has been the prevailing
attitude of most of the members of
the human race ever since Adam and
Eve's expulsion from the Garden of
Eden? Gen. 6:5.
"Religion tends directly to
promote health, to lengthen
life, and to heighten our en-
joyment of all its blessings."
—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 600.
4.
How marked was the effect of
sin on the vitality of the human race
as measured by length of life? Gen.
5:5; 25:7; 47:28; 50:26; Deut. 34:7; Ps.
90:10.
NorE.—Early members of the human race
lived to be more than 900 years old.
"God did not create the race in its
present feeble condition. This state of
things is not the work of Providence, but
the work of man ; it has been brought
about by wrong habits and abuses, by vio-
lating the laws that God has made to gov-
ern man's existence. . . .
"Man came from the hand of his Creator
perfect and beautiful in form, and so filled
with vital force that it was more than a
thousand years before his corrupt appetite
and passions, and general violations of
physical law, were sensibly felt upon the
race. More recent generations have felt the
pressure of infirmity and disease still more
rapidly and heavily with every generation.
The vital forces have been greatly weakened
by the indulgence of appetite and lustful
passion."—Testimonifs, vol.
3, p. 139.
5.
In the ultimate, who is responsi-
ble for disease and suffering? Luke
13:11-16; Acts 10:38.
NOTE.—"Satan is the originator of
dis-
ease."—Counsels on Health,
page 324.
"Our heavenly Father does not willingly
afflict or grieve the children of men. He is
not the author of sickness and death; He is
the source of
life."—Gospel Workers,
page
239
.
( 29 1
Job's Experience
6.
What was Job's personal record
of character? Job 1:1.
7.
During his illness, how deeply
discouraged did Job become? Job
3:2, 3.
NOTE.—Job's discouragement obviously
stemmed from his thinking that his righ-
teous life should have earned him freedom
from sorrow and suffering. As long as he
held this belief, he was at a loss to explain
his personal misfortunes.
8.
When sorely afflicted, what did
Job fail to understand about the cause
of his troubles? Job 1:8-12; 2:3-6.
NoTE.—"The history of Job had shown
that suffering is inflicted by Satan, and is
overruled by God for purposes of mercy."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 471.
9.
How did Job ultimately confess
his error in questioning God's justice?
Job. 42:5, 6.
NOTE.—"For those who love God, those
who are 'the called according to His pur-
pose' (Romans 8:28), Bible biography has
a yet higher lesson of the ministry of sor-
row. 'Ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord,
that I am God' (Isaiah 43:12)—witnesses
that He is good, and that goodness is su-
preme. 'We are made a theater unto the
world, both (R.V., margin) to angels, and
to men.'
"—Education,
page 154.
The Relation Between Sin and
Disease
10.
By what miracle and comment
did Jesus teach that there is a rela-
tion between sin and disease? John
5:5-9, 14.
NoTE.—"But the Saviour saw one case
of supreme wretchedness. It was that of a
man who had been a helpless cripple for
thirty-eight years. His disease was in a
great degree the result of his own sin."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 202.
"Sin and disease bear to each other the
relationship of cause and
effect."—Counsels
on Health,
page 325.
11.
By what answer to the disciples'
question did Jesus seek to help them
overcome the traditional belief that
disease is always a direct punishment
for personal sins? John 9:1-3.
NoTE.—"It was generally believed by the
Jews that sin is punished in this life. Every
affliction was regarded as the penalty of
some wrongdoing, either of the sufferer him-
self or of his parents. It is true that all
suffering results from the transgression of
God's law, but this truth had become per
verted. . . . The belief of the Jews in re-
gard to the relation of sin and suffering was
held by Christ's disciples. While Jesus cor-
rected their error, He did not explain the
cause of the man's affliction, but told them
what would be the result. Because of it
the works of God would be made manifest."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 471.
12.
What will be the logical con-
sequence of a disregard of God's laws
(including the laws of health)? Gal.
6:7.
NOTE.—"Intellectual power, physical
strength, and longevity depend upon im-
mutable laws. There is no happen-so, no
chance, about this matter. Nature's God
will not interfere to preserve men from the
consequences of violating nature's laws.
There is much sterling truth in the adage,
`Every man is the architect of his own
fortune.'
"—Counsels on Diet and Foods,
page 29.
"When men take any course which
needlessly expends their vitality or be-
clouds their intellect, they sin against God;
they do not glorify Him in their body and
spirit, which are His. Yet despite the in-
sult which man has offered Him, God's
love is still extended to the race, and He
[301
permits light to shine, enabling man to see
that in order to live a perfect life he must
obey the natural laws which govern his
being. How important, then, that man
should walk in this light, exercising all
his powers, both of body and mind, to
the glory of God
!"—Counsels on Health,
page 20.
The Blessing of Health
13.
What conditional promise did
God make to the Israelites? Ex. 23:25.
14.
What is the permanent remedy
for disease? Rev. 21:4; Isa. 33:24.
NOTE.—"Pain cannot exist in the atmos-
phere of heaven. In the home of the re-
deemed there will be no tears, no funeral
trains, no badges of mourning. 'The in-
habitant shall not say, I am sick: the peo-
ple that dwell therein shall be forgiven their
iniquity.' Isaiah 33:24. One rich tide of
happiness will flow and deepen as eternity
rolls
on."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 286.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What assurance do we have that the
saved will have access to the tree of life?
See
Early Writings,
page 289; Rev. 22:14.
2.
Why do some persons who have lived
unselfish Christian lives have to bear a
heavy share of disease and suffering?
3.
Why do some irreligious persons who
live carelessly seem to be quite free from
disease?
4.
Do repentance and forgiveness relieve
a person of the consequences of his previous
violations of the laws of health?
Lesson 9, for August 29, 1964
Temperance in All Things
MEMORY VERSE:
"And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all
things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."
1 Cor. 9:25.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Adventist Home," pages 493-511; "Counsels on Health," pages
49-51; "Medical Ministry," pages 291-297; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A.
Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To review the teachings of the Bible on temperance in all things as a vital
part of the way of life which God desires His people to follow.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; Read
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
further from study helps.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; begin
helps.
reading study helps.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
[
31
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
Temperance: A Code for the
Christian
1. The body is the "temple of the
Holy Ghost." Ps. 139:14; 1 Cor.
6:19.
2. We are to glorify God in our body.
1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31; Rom. 12:1.
3. We are to be temperate in all
things. 1 Cor. 9:25.
4. The third step in "Peter's ladder."
2 Peter 1:4-8.
II. Temperance in Human Desires
5. Paul's exhortations to temperance
and sobriety. Titus 2:2, 6, 12.
6. The Christian's victory over lust.
Rom. 6:12.
7. Victory over physical desires.
1 Cor. 9:27.
III. Temperance Even in Permissible
Activities
8. In eating. Prov. 25:16.
9. In sleep and work. Ps. 127:2.
10. In study. Eccl. 12 :12.
IV. Need for Periodic Relaxation
11. Example of the children of Israel.
Deut. 16:16.
12. The Sabbath a time for rest. Gen.
2:2.
13. Example of Jesus and His disciples.
Mark 6:31.
THE LESSON
action if the human agent will obey His
laws and cooperate with God. Every law
governing the human machinery is to be
considered just as truly divine in orgin, in
character, and in importance as the Word
of God. Every careless, inattentive action,
any abuse put upon the Lord's wonderful
mechanism, by disregarding His specified
laws in the human habitation, is a viola-
tion of God's law. We may behold and
admire the work of God in the natural
world, but the human habitation is the
most wonderful."-Medical
Ministry,
page
221.
2. In addition to the desire to re-
ceive personal benefits, what motive
should prompt the Christian to care
well for his body? 1 Cor. 6:20; 10:31;
Rom. 12:1.
Introduction
"We are constantly tempted to excess.
Those who would preserve their powers un-
impaired for the service of God, must ob-
serve strict temperance in the use of His
bounties, as well as total abstinence from
every injurious or debasing indulgence. . . .
"Especially in our large cities, every form
of indulgence is made easy and inviting.
Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile
themselves, will reap the reward of their
temperate habits. With their greater phys-
ical stamina and increased power of en-
durance, they have a bank of deposit upon
which to draw in case of emergency."-
Counsels on Diet and Foods,
page 29.
Temperance: A Code for the
Christian
1. For what reason is the human
body to be considered as a sacred
trust? Ps. 139:14; 1 Cor. 6:19.
NoTE.-"The Creator of man has ar-
ranged the living machinery of our bodies.
Every function is wonderfully and wisely
made., And God has pledged Himself to
keep this human machinery in healthful
NOTE.-"The better you observe the laws
of health, the more clearly can you discern
temptations, and resist them, and the more
clearly can you discern the value of eternal
things. May the Lord help you to make
the most of your present opportunities and
privileges, that you may daily gain new
victories, and finally enter the City of
God, as those who have overcome by the
blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony."-My
Life Today,
page 141.
[ 32 ]
3.
In striving for victory, what is
one important rule to which the Chris-
tian must conform? 1 Cor. 9:25.
Compare Heb. 12:1.
4.
What is the third step listed by
the apostle Peter in the growth toward
Christian perfection? 2 Peter 1:4-8.
NoTE.—" 'And to knowledge, temper-
ance.' This is the third step in the path
toward perfection of character. On every
side there is indulgence and dissipation, and
the result is degeneration and corruption.
The inhabitants of our earth are depreciat-
ing in mental, moral, and physical power,
because of the intemperate habits of society.
Appetite, passion, and love of display are
carrying the multitudes into the greatest
excesses and extravagance. . . . The peo-
ple of God must take an opposite course
from the world. They must take up the
warfare against these sinful practices, deny
appetite, and keep the lower nature in
subjection."—My
Life Today,
page 97.
Temperance in Human Desires
5.
What references did Paul make
to the need for temperance—that is,
self-control? Titus 2:2, 6, 12.
6.
What victory must the Christian
gain? Rom. 6:12.
NOTE.—"Every true Christian will have
control of his appetites and passions. Un-
less he is free from the bondage of ap-
petite, he cannot be a true, obedient ser-
vant of Christ. The indulgence of appetite
and passion blunts the effect of truth upon
the heart. It is impossible for the spirit and
power of the truth to sanctify a man, soul,
body, and spirit, when he is controlled by
sensual
desires."—Fundamentals of Chris-
tian Education,
page 144.
7.
How important is this matter of
temperance with respect to one's
physical desires? 1 Cor. 9:27.
Temperance Even in Permissible
Activities
8.
What caution is given against
overeating even of that which is good?
Prov. 25:16.
9.
What admonitions indicate that
intemperance even in permissible ac-
tivities should not be permitted to rob
a person of his needed rest? Ps. 127:2.
NOTE.—"Those who make great exertions
to accomplish just so much work in a given
time, and continue to labor when their
judgment tells them they should rest, are
never gainers. They are living on borrowed
capital. They are expending the vital force
which they will need at a future time. And
when the energy they have so recklessly
used is demanded, they fail for want of it.
. . Their time of need has come, but their
physical resources are exhausted. Everyone
who violates the laws of health must some-
time be a sufferer to a greater or less de-
gree."—Counsels on Health,
page 99.
However, observe the following: "It is
displeasing to God for Sabbath keepers to
sleep during much of the Sabbath. They
dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by
their example, say that six days are too
precious for them to spend in resting. They
must make money, although it be by rob-
bing themselves of needed sleep, which they
make up by sleeping away holy time. They
then excuse themselves by saying: 'The Sab-
bath was given for a day of rest. I will not
deprive myself of rest to attend meeting,
for I need rest.' Such make a wrong use of
the sanctified
day."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p.
704.
10.
What effect does too much
study have upon the body? Eccl.
12:12.
NorE.—"Moral, intellectual, and physical
culture should be combined in order to
have well-developed, well-balanced men
and women. Some are qualified to exercise
great intellectual strength, while others are
inclined to love and enjoy physical labor.
[33
7
Both of these classes should seek to im-
prove where they are deficient, that they
may present to God their entire being, a
living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to Him,
which is their reasonable service."—My
Life
Today,
page 144.
Need for Periodic Relaxation
11.
How many times a year did
the children of Israel break their usual
routine in order to attend religious
gatherings? Deut. 16:16.
12.
What was one of the important
purposes for which God instituted the
Sabbath? Gen. 2:2.
NOTE.—"God reserved the seventh day
as a period of rest for man, for the good of
man as well as for His own glory. He saw
that the wants of man required a day of
rest from toil and care, that his health and
life would be endangered without a period
of relaxation from the labor and anxiety of
the six
days."—Testimonies, vol.
1, pp. 532,
533.
13.
What evidence do we have that
Jesus recognized the need for oc-
casional periods of relaxation? Mark
6:31.
NOTE.—"When the disciples related all
their experience to Jesus, He understood
their need. . . . He knew that a season of
rest and recreation, apart from the multi-
tude and the scene of their labors, would
invigorate them, and he sought to withdraw
them from the busy cities to a quiet resort
where they might have a season of precious
fellowship with Him and with each other."
—My Life Today,
page 133.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Am I avoiding extremes even in such
matters as sleep, exercise, outdoor living,
and abstemiousness?
2.
Is it possible for a person to replenish
the reserves of "vital force" which he has
previously depleted through intemperance?
See
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pages 153, 154.
3.
How much more than following a
simple diet is included in the term "health
reform"?
Lesson 10, for September 5, 1964
Our Food and Drink
MEMORY VERSE:
"Blessed art thou,
0
land, when . . . thy princes eat in due
season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!" Eccl. 10:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Diet and Foods," pages 43-65, 402-405; "Medical Min-
istry," pages 273-289; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To restudy the diet which God has recommended for human beings, to
determine the relationship between diet and health, to review the inspired
teachings on intoxicants, and to understand the relationship between diet and
spirituality.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading study helps.
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; read
further from study helps.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
[ 34
Lesson Outline;
Introduction
I. The Divinely Approved Dietary
1.
God's bestowal of every good
thing. Ps. 84:11.
2.
Man's original diet. Gen. 1:29.
3.
Eating of flesh foods permitted.
Gen. 9:1-3.
4.
Clean and unclean meats. Lev.
11:2-31.
II. The Temptation to Indulge Appetite
5.
Daniel resisted. Dan. 1:8-15, 19-21.
6.
Jesus' first temptation. Matt.
4:3, 4.
7. Israel's experience cited by Paul.
1 Cor. 10:5-7.
III. Intoxicants
8. Warnings against intoxicating
beverages. Prov. 20:1 ; 23:29-32.
9. New Testament warnings against
drunkenness. Eph. 5:18.
10. Woe to the drunkards. Prov. 23:20,
21; Isa. 5:11, 12 ; 28:7, 8.
IV. Guiding Principles
11. "Eat . . . for strength, and not for
drunkenness." Eccl. 10:17.
12. "Eat . . . that which is good." Isa.
55:2.
13. "Do all to the glory of God."
1 Cor. 10:31.
THE LESSON
Introduction
strengthen the lower passions, and has a
tendency to deaden the moral powers.
Grains and fruits prepared free from grease,
and in as natural a condition as possible,
should be the food for the tables of all
who claim to be preparing for translation
to heaven. The less feverish the diet, the
more easily can the passions be controlled.
Gratification of taste should not be con-
sulted irrespective of physical, intellectual,
or moral
health."-Counsels on Health,
page 42.
3. When did God give sanction to
the use of animal flesh as food? Gen.
9:1-3.
"To keep the body in a healthy condi-
tion, in order that all parts of the living
machinery may act harmoniously, should be
a study of our life. The children of God
cannot glorify Him with sickly bodies or
dwarfed minds. Those who indulge in any
species of intemperance, either in eating or
drinking, waste their physical energies and
weaken moral
power."-Counsels on Diet
and Foods,
page 18.
The Divinely Approved Dietary
1.
Of what may we be confident
with respect to God's restrictions? Ps.
84:11.
2.
Of what did man's diet consist
before the entrance of
sin? Gen. 1:29.
NOTE.-"We learn from the divine record
that man was to eat of the products of
both field and tree, in other words of grain,
nuts, and fruit."-S.D.A.
Bible Commen-
tary,
on Gen. 1:29.
"If ever there was a time when the diet
should be of the most simple kind, it is
now. Meat should not be placed before
our children. Its influence is to excite and
NOTE.
-"Before this time [of the Flood]
God had given man no permission to eat
animal food; He intended that the race
should subsist wholly upon the productions
of the earth ; but now that every green
thing had been destroyed, He allowed them
to eat the flesh of the clean beasts that
had been preserved in the
ark."-Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 107.
"We do not mark out any precise line to
be followed in diet; but we do say that in
countries where there are fruits, grains, and
nuts in abundance, flesh food is not the
right food for God's people. . . . If meat
eating were ever healthful, it is not safe
now. Cancers, tumors, and pulmonary dis-
eases are largely caused by meat eating."-
Counsels on Diet and Foods,
page 404.
( 35
"Among those who are waiting for the
coming of the Lord, meat eating will even-
tually be done away; flesh will cease to
form a part of their diet. We should ever
keep this end in view, and endeavor to
work steadily toward it. I cannot think
that in the practice of flesh eating we are
in harmony with the light which God has
been pleased to give
us."—Ibid.,
pp. 380,
381.
"It has been clearly presented to me that
God's people are to take a firm stand
against meat eating."—Ibid., p. 383.
4.
What precise distinction do we
find in the Bible between meats which
may be eaten and those which posi-
tively may not be eaten? Lev. 11:2-
31. Compare Judges 13:4.
NorE.—"The angel's prohibition included
`every unclean thing.' The distinction be-
tween articles of food as clean and unclean
was not a merely ceremonial and arbitrary
regulation, but was based upon sanitary
principles. To the observance of this dis-
tinction may be traced, in a great degree,
the marvelous vitality which for thousands
of years has distinguished the Jewish peo-
ple. . . . There are few who realize as they
should how much their habits of diet have
to do with their health, their character, their
usefulness in this world, and their eternal
destiny. The appetite should ever be in
subjection to the moral and intellectual
powers. The body should be servant to
the mind, and not the mind to the body."
---Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 562.
The Temptation to Indulge
Appetite
5.
What outstanding example does
the Bible give of steadfastness to prin-
ciple in eating and drinking and the
attendant results? Dan. 1:8-15, 19-21.
NOTE.—"Daniel's clearness of mind and
firmness of purpose, his power in acquiring
knowledge and in resisting temptation, were
due in a great degree to the plainness of his
diet, in connection with his life of
prayer. . . .
"Stand forth in your God-given manhood
and womanhood. . . . God will reward you
with calm nerves, a clear brain, and unim-
paired judgment, keen perceptions. The
youth of today whose principles are firm
and unwavering will, be blessed with health
of body, mind, and soul."—My
Life Today,
page 147.
6.
What was the nature of Jesus'
first temptation when He was
"tempted of the devil" in the wilder-
ness? Matt. 4:3, 4.
7.
To what examples of indulged
appetite does Paul refer as he ad-
monishes Christians not to yield to
the promptings of unsanctified desire?
1 Cor. 10:5-7.
NOTE.—"Satan sees that he cannot have
so great power over minds when the ap-
petite is kept under control as when it is
indulged, and he is constantly working to
lead men to indulgence. Under the influ-
ence of unhealthful food, the conscience be-
comes stupefied, the mind is darkened, and
its susceptibility to impressions is impaired.
But the guilt of the transgressor is not
lessened because the conscience has been
violated till it has become insensible."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pages
143, 144.
Intoxicants
8.
What warning does Solomon
give against intoxicants and their
subtle effects? Prov. 20:1; 23:29-32.
9.
What solemn admonition is
given in the New Testament? Eph.
5:18.
NorE.—"Paul advised Timothy to take
a little wine for his stomach's sake and oft
infirmities, but he meant the unfermented
juice of the grape. He did not advise Timo-
thy to take what the Lord had prohibited."
f36
1
—Ellen G. White, "The Marriage in Cana
of Galilee,"
Signs of the Times,
Sept. 6,
1899, p. 6.
10.
What warning and condemna-
tion is directed to those who engage
in worldly revelry? Prov. 23:20, 21;
Isa. 5:11, 12; 28:7, 8.
Guiding Principles
11.
What policy in eating and
drinking may safely be followed?
Eccl. 10:17.
NOTE.—"The only safe course is to touch
not, taste not, handle not, tea, coffee, wines,
tobacco, opium, and alcoholic drinks. The
necessity for the men of this generation to
call to their aid the power of the will
strengthened by the grace of God, in order
to withstand the temptations of Satan, and
resist the least indulgence of perverted ap-
petite, is twice as great as it was several
generations
ago."—Counsels on Health,
page 125.
12.
In addition to its figurative,
spiritual meaning, what practical ap-
plication can properly be made of
Isaiah's counsel on the choice of food?
Isa. 55:2.
NOTE.—"Those foods should be chosen
that best supply the elements needed for
building up the body. In this choice, ap-
petite is not a safe guide. Through wrong
habits of eating, the appetite has become
perverted."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 295.
"God has furnished man with abundant
means for the gratification of an unper-
verted appetite. He has spread before him
the products of the earth—a bountiful
variety of food that is palatable to the
taste and nutritious to the system. Of
these our benevolent heavenly Father says
we may freely eat. Fruits, grains, and
vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free
from spice and grease of all kinds, make,
with milk or cream, the most healthful
diet. They impart nourishment to the body
and give a power of endurance and a vigor
of intellect that are not produced by a
stimulating
diet."—Counsels on Health,
pages 114, 115.
13.
What general principle should
guide Christians in matters of diet?
1 Cor. 10:31.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Is the simple diet advocated in the
writings of Ellen G. White a scientifically
adequate diet? (See the series of three
articles by Clive M. McCay, Ph.D., Pro-
fessor of Nutrition, Cornell University,
which appeared in the
Review and Herald,
Feb. 12, 19, 26, 1959.
2.
Granted that appetite is not a safe
guide to the choice of food, and recogniz-
ing, furthermore, that appetite may be-
come perverted by habit and custom, how
can one know what plan of diet is best to
follow?
3.
To what extent are the sinful ways of
our present generation traceable to the use
of liquor?
4.
What is the relation between the hab-
its of diet and the desire for stimulants and
intoxicants?
Lesson 11, for September 12, 1964
The Power of Habit
MEMORY VERSE:
"Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"Child Guidance," pages 199-203; "Counsels on Health," pages
36, 41, 42, 64-70; "Messages to Young People," pages 134-136; "S.D.A. Bible
Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
[ 37 ]
AIM:
To foster a recognition that habits are amenable to control by the intellect.
The intelligent Christian improves his health and promotes his eternal welfare
by building desirable habits of living and of thinking.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; begin
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Thursday:
Finish reading study
Tuesday:
Questions 8-10.
helps.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Habits Have Eternal Consequences
1.
Seed sown determines the harvest.
Gal. 6:7.
2.
Habits bind like cords. Prov. 5:22.
3.
Habits, the basis of judgment. Ezek.
7:3.
II. Examples of Desirable Habits
4.
Daniel's habits of wholesome living
and frequent prayer. Dan. 1:8;
6:10.
5.
The psalmist's habits. Ps. 39:1;
25:4; 55:17.
6.
Cornelius's habits of liberality and
prayer. Acts 10:1, 2.
7.
Jesus' habit of attending religious
services. Luke 4:16.
III. Treacherous Habits
8. Establishing one's own standard of
righteousness. Prov. 16:2; 21:2;
Isa. 5:20, 21.
9. Evil habits a hindrance to right
living. Jer. 13:23.
10. The habit of indolence. Prov.
6:9-11.
IV. Victory Over Bad Habits
11.
A searching of our ways should
turn us to the Lord. Lam. 3:40.
12. Paul's experience in changing his
habit pattern. Gal. 1:15-17.
13. Assurance of divine cooperation in
controlling habits. Prov. 3:6.
THE LESSON
Introduction
your example will guide others to the cross."
-Messages to Young People,
page 212.
"Remember . . . that each day, each
hour, each moment, you are weaving the
web of your own destiny. Each time the
shuttle is thrown, there is drawn into the
web a thread which either mars or beauti-
fies the pattern. If you are careless and
indolent, you spoil the life which God de-
signed should be bright and beautiful. If
you choose to follow your own inclinations,
un-Christlike habits will bind you with
bands of steel. And as you walk away from
Christ, your example will be followed by
many who, because of your wrong course,
will never enjoy the glories of heaven. But
if you make brave efforts to overcome
selfishness, allowing no opportunity to pass
for helping those around you, the light of
Habits Have Eternal Consequences
1. What is the relationship between
one's pattern of living (consisting
largely of his habits) and the final
outcome of his life? Gal. 6:7.
NOTE.
-"In
the laws of God in nature,
effect follows cause with unerring cer-
tainty. The reaping will testify as to what
the sowing has been. . . .
"In our relation to others, this law holds
true. Every act, every word, is a seed that
1381
will bear fruit. Every deed of thoughtful
kindness, of obedience, or of self-denial,
will reproduce itself in others, and through
them in still others. So every act of envy,
malice, or dissension is a seed that will
spring up in a 'root of bitterness' (Heb.
12:15), whereby many shall be defiled. And
how much larger number will the 'many'
poison. Thus the sowing of good and evil
goes on for time and for
eternity."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 84, 85.
2.
What effect do habits have in the
experience of a sinner who desires to
reform? Prov. 5:22.
3.
On what will God's final judg-
ment of a person's life be based? Ezek.
7:3.
NOTE. "Some psychologists have claimed
that man is not responsible for his actions.
They assert that he is the victim of glandu-
lar disorders, or an unstable nervous system,
or a bad environment. The religion of the
Bible affirms and demonstrates that the
power of the gospel is greater than every
hereditary and cultivated tendency to evil."
—S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
on Ezek. 7:3.
Examples of Desirable Habits
4.
What two habits possessed by
Daniel account in large part for his
fulfillment of God's plan for his life?
Dan. 1:8; 6:10.
NoTE.—"During their three years of
training, Daniel and his associates main-
tained their abstemious habits, their al-
legiance to God, and their constant de-
pendance upon His power. When the time
came for their abilities and acquirements to
be tested by the king, they were examined
with other candidates for the service of
the kingdom. . . . Their keen apprehension,
their choice and exact language, their ex-
tensive knowledge, testified to the unim-
paired strength and vigor of their mental
power. . . .
"Amid the seductive influences of the
luxurious courts of Babylon they stood
firm. The youth of today are surrounded
with allurements to self-indulgence. Espe-
cially in our large cities, every form of sen-
sual gratification is made easy and inviting.
Those who, like Daniel, refuse to defile
themselves will reap the reward of tem-
perate habits."—My
Life Today,
page 147.
5.
What kind of habits ("ways")
did the psalmist earnestly seek to de-
velop? Ps. 39:1; 25:4; 55:17.
6.
For what habits was Cornelius
commended? Acts 10:1, 2.
7.
What worthy habit is recorded
as being in the life of Jesus? Luke
4:16.
Treacherous Habits
8.
What dangerous habit of think-
ing may deprive a person of spiritual
progress? Prov. 16:2; 21:2; Isa. 5:
20, 21.
9.
What grave danger attends the
person who allows the development
of evildoing in his life? Jer. 13:23.
Compare Gen. 19:14.
NorE.—"We shall be individually, for
time and eternity, what our habits make
us. The lives of those who form right hab-
its, and are faithful in the performance of
every duty, will be as shining lights, shed-
ding bright beams upon the pathway of
others; but if habits of unfaithfulness are
indulged, if lax, indolent, neglectful habits
are allowed to strengthen, a cloud darker
than midnight will settle on the prospects
in this life and forever debar the individual
from the future life.
"One selfish thought indulged, one duty
neglected, prepares the way for another.
What we venture to do once, we are more
apt to do again. Habits of sobriety, of
I 39 ]
self-control, of economy, of close applica-
tion, of sound, sensible conversation, of
patience and true courtesy, are not gained
without diligent, close watching over self.
It is much easier to become demoralized and
depraved than to conquer defects, keeping
self in control and cherishing true virtues.
Persevering efforts will be required if the
Christian graces are ever perfected in our
lives."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 452.
10.
What question by Solomon in-
dicates that he recognized the impor-
tance of habits relating to our physical
welfare? Prov. 6:9-11.
NOTE.—"How prevalent is the habit of
turning day into night and night into day.
Many youth sleep soundly in the morning,
when they should be up with the early
singing birds, and be stirring when all
nature is awake. Let youth practice reg-
ularity in the hours for going to bed and
for rising. . . . Let them purpose in their
hearts that they will bring themselves under
discipline, and practice orderly rules. God
is a God of order, and it is the duty of the
youth to observe strict rules, for such
practices will work for their advantage."—
My Life Today,
page 143.
Victory Over Bad Habits
11.
What should a searching of our
ways: lead us to do? Lam. 3:40.
NOTE.—"There is a science of Christianity
to be mastered,—science as much deeper,
broader, higher than any human science as
the heavens are higher than the earth. The
mind is to be disciplined, educated, trained;
for we are to do service for God in ways
that are not in harmony with inborn in-
clination. There are hereditary and culti-
vated tendencies to evil that must be over-
come. Often the training and education of
a lifetime must be discarded, that one may,
become a learner in the school of Christ.
Our hearts must be educated to become
steadfast in God. We are to form habits
of thought that will enable us to resist
temptation. We must learn to look upward.
The principles of the Word of God—prin-
ciples that are as high as heaven, and that
compass eternity—we are to understand in
their bearing upon our daily life. Every
act, every word, every thought, is to be in
accord with these
principles."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 314.
12.
Through what experience of re-
building the habit patterns of his life
did the apostle Paul pass after his
miraculous conversion? Gal. 1:15-17.
NOTE.—"A messenger from heaven bade
him leave for a time, and he 'went into
Arabia' (Galatians 1:17), where he found
a safe retreat.
"Here, in the solitude of the desert, Paul
had ample opportunity for quiet study and
meditation. . . . He emptied his soul of
the prejudices and traditions that had
hitherto shaped his life, and received in-
struction from the Source of truth. Jesus
communed with him and established him in
the faith, bestowing upon him a rich
measure of wisdom and grace."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 125, 126.
13.
What assurance do we have of
divine cooperation in controlling our
habits? Prov. 3:6.
NoTE.—"Put your will on the side of
Christ. Will to serve Him, and in acting
upon His word you will receive strength.
Whatever may be the evil practice, the
master passion which through long indul-
gence binds both soul and body, Christ is
able and longs to deliver. He will impart
life to the soul that is 'dead in trespasses.'
Ephesians 2:1. He will set free the cap-
tive that is held by weakness and misfor-
tune and the chains of
sin."—The Ministry
of Healing,
page 85.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Will the experience of conversion re-
move such cravings as those for tobacco
and alcohol?
2.
Is the desire to eat between meals a
habit, or a hunger prompted by the body's
need for food?
3.
In the light of the present study of
"The Power of Habit," how may healthful
living be defined?
[ 40 ]
Lesson 12, for September 19, 1964
Mental Health
MEMORY VERSE:
"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give unto you: not as the
world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be
afraid." John 14:27.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Health," pages 94-97, 563-566; "Counsels to Parents,
Teachers, and Students," pages 32-38, 294-301; "The Ministry of Healing,"
pages 241-259; "S.D.A. Bible Commentary;" "S.D.A. Bible Dictionary."
AIM:
To discover what the Bible teaches concerning the relationship between
physical well-being, and mental peace and happiness.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Check Here
Wednesday:
Questions 10-13.
Sunday:
Questions 1, 2; begin read-
Thursday:
Finish reading study
ing study helps.
helps.
0
Monday:
Questions 3-6.
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
Tuesday:
Questions 7-9.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I.
Controlling the Thoughts
1.
"Gird up the loins of your mind."
1 Peter 1:13, first part.
2.
Bring every thought into obedience
to Christ. 2 Cor. 10:5.
II. The Value of Happiness
3.
God desires joy for His people. Ps.
36:7-9; Prov. 29:18, last part;
John 15:11.
4.
Happiness results from the accept-
ance of God as Saviour and King.
Ps. 144:15.
5.
A clear conscience promotes hap-
piness. Rom. 14:22, last part; 1
John 3:21.
6.
Service to needy, an important
source of happiness. Prov. 14:21,
last part.
Unfavorable Influences
7.
Causes of personal conflicts. Matt.
6:24; Gal. 5:17.
8.
Relationship between happiness and
wealth. Eccl. 4:7, 8.
9.
King Saul's disobedience and re-
jection by God led to spirit posses-
sion. 1 Sam. 16:14, 15.
IV. Mental Stability
10.
Trust and obedience brings fulfill-
ment of desires. Ps. 37:3-5, 18, 19;
Phil. 4:19.
11.
Christ's peace eliminates worry.
John 14:27; Ps. 119:165; 127:2.
12.
No need to be anxious. Ps. 4:8;
1 Tim. 6:6-8; 2 Tim. 1:7; Heb.
13:5.
13.
Assurance of divine aid. Phil. 4:13;
Ps. 9:9, 10; Rom. 8:35-39.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Sickness of the mind prevails every-
where. Nine tenths of the diseases from
which men suffer have their foundation
here. Perhaps some living home trouble is,
like a canker, eating to the very soul and
weakening the life forces. Remorse for sin
sometimes undermines the constitution and
unbalances the mind. There are erroneous
41
doctrines also, as that of an eternally burn-
ing hell and the endless torment of the
wicked, that, by giving exaggerated and dis-
torted views of the character of God, have
produced the same result upon sensitive
minds. Infidels have made the most of these
unfortunate cases, attributing insanity to
religion; but this is a gross libel and one
which they will not be pleased to meet by
and by. The religion of Christ, so far
from being the cause of insanity, is one of
its most effectual remedies; for it is a potent
soother of the
nerves."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 444.
Controlling the Thoughts
1.
What comment by the apostle
Peter indicates the need for discipline
of one's mind? 1 Peter 1:13, first part.
NOTE.—"We have each of us an individ-
ual work to do, to gird up the loins of our
minds, to be sober, to watch unto prayer.
The mind must be firmly controlled to
dwell upon subjects that will strengthen
the moral powers. . . . The thoughts must
be pure, the meditations of the heart must
be clean, if the words of the mouth are
to be words acceptable to Heaven and help-
ful to your associates."—My
life Today,
page 83.
2.
What counsel does the apostle
Paul give the Christian regarding the
control of his thoughts? 2 Cor. 10:5.
NOTE.—"God wishes us to have the mas-
tery over ourselves. . . . Of ourselves, we
are not able to bring the purposes and de-
sires and inclinations into harmony with
the will of God; but if we are 'willing to
be made willing,' the Saviour will ac-
complish this for us, 'casting down imagi-
nations, and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and
bringing into captivity every thought to
the obedience of Christ.'
"—The Acts of the
Apostles,
pages 482, 483.
The Value of Happiness
3.
What is God's desire regarding
the happiness of His children? Ps.
36:7-9; Prov. 29:18, last part; John
15:11.
NOTE.—"Those who are connected with
Christ have happiness at their command."
—Messages to Young People,
page 415.
4.
What is the most important con-
dition of happiness? Ps. 144:15.
5.
What is the relationship between
happiness and conscience? Rom. 14:
22, last part; 1 John 3:21.
NorE.—"Happiness is to be achieved by
the right action of the soul toward God."
—Selected Messages,
b. 1, p. 56.
"If the mind is free and happy, from a
consciousness of rightdoing and a sense of
satisfaction in causing happiness to others,
it creates a cheerfulness that will react upon
the whole system, causing a freer circula-
tion of the blood and a toning up of the
entire body."—My
Life Today,
page 150.
6.
What is another important
source of happiness for the child of
God? Prov. 14:21, last part.
NOTE.—"Seize every opportunity to con-
tribute to the happiness of those around
you, sharing with them your affection.
Words of kindness, looks of sympathy, ex-
pressions of appreciation, would to many a
struggling, lonely one be as a cup of cold
water to a thirsty soul. A word of cheer,
an act of kindness, would go far to lighten
the burdens that are resting heavily upon
weary shoulders. It is in unselfish ministry
that true happiness is found."—My
Life
Today,
page 165.
Unfavorable Influences
7.
What is an important cause of
personal conflict and thus of poor
mental health? Matt. 6:24; Gal. 5:17.
[ 42 ]
"He who opens the Scrip-
tures, and feeds upon the
heavenly manna, becomes a
partaker of the divine na-
ture."—Ellen G. White,
Re-
view and Herald,
June 28,
1892.
8.
What is the acquiring of wealth
unable to bring us? Eccl. 4:7, 8.
NOTE.—"I saw another futile thing un-
der the sun—a lone man, kinless, without
son or brother, and yet toiling on to make
money; he cannot satisfy himself with what
he gains, and he never asks for whose sake
he is toiling and stinting himself of pleasure.
This too is vain, a sorry business." Eccl.
4:7, 8, Moffatt.
9.
What happened after King Saul,
because of disobedience, was rejected
by the Lord? 1 Sam. 16:14, 15.
NoTE.—"[Saul] did not accept with
meekness the chastisement of God; but his
haughty spirit became desperate, until he
was on the verge of losing his reason."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 643.
Mental Stability
10.
What assurance does the child
of God have that his basic personal
needs can be met? Ps. 37:3-5, 18, 19;
Phil. 4:19.
11.
Why should the Christian not
worry? John 14:27; Ps. 119:165;
127:2.
NoTE.—"The consciousness of rightdoing
is the best medicine for diseased bodies and
minds. The special blessing of God resting
upon the receiver is health and strength....
"A person whose mind is quiet and satis-
fied in God is in the pathway to health."—
My Life Today,
page 150.
12.
To what freedom from health-
destroying worry is the Christian en-
titled? Ps. 4:8; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; 2 Tim.
1:7; Heb. 13:5.
NOTE.—"All who are under the training
of God need the quiet hour for communion
with their own hearts, with nature, and
with God. . . . We must individually hear
Him speaking to the heart. When every
other voice is hushed, and in quietness we
wait before Him, the silence of the soul
makes more distinct the voice of God. He
bids us, 'Be still, and know that I am God.'
This is the effectual preparation for all
labor for God. Amidst the hurrying throng
and the strain of life's intense activities, he
who is thus refreshed will be surrounded
with an atmosphere of light and peace. He
will receive a new endowment of both
physical and mental strength."—Counsels
on Health,
page 163.
13.
As he faces life's stresses and
strains, what advantage does the
Christian have? Phil. 4:13; Ps. 9:9,
10; Rom. 8:35-39.
NOTE.—"Let the self-distrustful, whose
lack of self-reliance leads them to shrink
from care and responsibility, be taught re-
liance upon God. Thus many a one who
otherwise would be but a cipher in the
world, perhaps only a helpless burden, will
be able to say with the apostle Paul, 'I can
do all things through Christ which strength-
eneth me.'
"—Education,
page 256.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Is resort to worry a denial of faith?
2.
Is mental depression a judgment from
God?
3.
What is the best remedy for a troubled
conscience?
4.
Where is the proper dividing line be-
tween self-confidence and trust in God?
43
Lesson 13, for September 26, 1964
Religion and Health
MEMORY VERSE:
"Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and
be in health, even as thy soul prospereth." 3 John 2.
STUDY HELPS:
"Counsels on Health," pages 29-31; "Medical Ministry," pages 7-17;
"The Ministry of Healing," chapter, "Prayer for the Sick" (pages 225-233);
"S.D.A. Bible Commentary."
AIM:
To determine what relationship exists between one's spiritual and physical
welfare and to examine the teaching of the Bible on divine healing.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
Sunday: Questions 1-3; begin
reading study helps.
Monday: Questions 4-6.
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Thursday: Finish reading study
helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline:
Introduction
I. Relationship of Spiritual and
Physical Health
1.
Forgiveness of sin and healing of
disease. Ps. 103:2, 3.
2.
A happy heart and a broken spirit.
Prov. 17:22.
3.
Health in proportion to Christian
experience. 3 John 2.
II. Righteous Living Promotes Health
4.
Departing from evil and doing good
promotes health. Prov. 3:7, 8;
1 Peter 3:10-12.
5.
Faith in God conducive to long life.
Ps. 42:11; Prov. 10:27.
6.
God promises strength proportion-
ate to our need. 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb.
13:6.
III. Divine Healing
7.
Prayer for healing. James 5:16, last
part.
8.
Elders to anoint the sick and pray
for them. James 5:14, 15.
9.
Submission to God's will. Matt.
26:39.
10.
Paul's "thorn in the flesh" not re-
moved. 2 Cor. 12:7-9.
IV. Christians Should Be Healthy
11.
Love to God and man promotes
health of body and mind. Matt.
22:35-40; John 15:12.
12.
Rest in labor with Christ. Matt.
11:28-30.
13.
Health promised to God's witnesses.
Isa. 58:6-8.
THE LESSON
Introduction
a consciousness that the eyes of the Lord
are upon us and His ears open to our prayers
"The special blessing of God resting upon is a satisfaction indeed. To know that
the receiver is health and strength. A per-
we have a never-failing Friend in whom we
son whose mind is quiet and satisfied in
can confide all the secrets of the soul is a
God is in the pathway to health. To have privilege which words can never express.
[ 44 ]
Those whose moral faculties are beclouded
by disease are not the ones to rightly rep-
resent the Christian life or the beauties of
holiness. They are too often in the fire of
fanaticism or the water of cold indifference
or stolid
gloom."—Testimonies, vol.
1, p.
502.
Relationship of Spiritual and
Physical Health
1.
In what words does the psalmist
indicate the relationship between
spiritual and physical health? Ps.
103:2, 3.
2.
In what figurative language does
Solomon emphasize the important re-
lationship between mental attitudes
and the state of health? Prov. 17:22.
NOTE.—"The relation that exists between
the mind and the body is very intimate.
When one is affected, the other sympathizes.
The condition of the mind affects the health
to a far greater degree than many realize.
Many of the diseases from which men suf-
fer are the result of mental depression.
Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt,
distrust, all tend to break down the life
forces and to invite decay and death.
"Disease is sometimes produced, and is
often greatly aggravated, by the imagina-
tion. Many are lifelong invalids who might
be well if they only thought so. . . . Many
die from disease the cause of which is
wholly imaginary."—The
Ministry of Heal-
ing,
page 241.
3.
What ideal for health is ex-
pressed by the apostle John? 3
John 2.
NorE.—"We should cooperate with God
in the care of our bodies. Love for God is
essential for life and health. Faith in God
is essential for health. In order to have
perfect health, our hearts must be filled
with love and hope and joy in the Lord."
—My Life Today,
page 149.
Righteous Living Promotes Health
4.
What counsels from both the
Old and New Testaments indicate that
good health is promoted by living
righteously? Prov. 3:7, 8; 1 Peter
3:10-12.
NOTE.—"The love of God in the soul will
have a direct influence upon the life and
will call the intellect and the affections into
active, healthful exercise. The child of God
will not rest satisfied until he is clothed
with the righteousness of Christ and sus-
tained by His life-giving power. When he
sees a weakness in his character, it is not
enough to confess it again and again; he
must go to work with determination and
energy to overcome his defects by building
up opposite traits of character. He will not
shun this work because it is difficult. Un-
tiring energy is required of the Christian;
but he is not obliged to work in his own
strength; divine power awaits his demand.
Everyone who is sincerely striving for the
victory over self will appropriate the prom-
ise, 'My grace is sufficient for thee.'
"—My
Life Today,
page 99.
5.
What physical benefits result
from faith in God? Ps. 42:11; Prov.
10:27.
NorE.—"Godliness does not conflict with
the laws of health, but is in harmony with
them. The fear of the Lord is the foun-
dation of all real prosperity."—My
Life To-
day,
page 149.
6.
What limit does God place upon
the stresses that He allows to come to
His children? 1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 13:6.
NOTE.—"So far you have faced no trial
beyond what man can bear. God keeps
faith, and He will not allow you to be
tested above your powers, but when the
test comes He will at the same time provide
a way out, by enabling you •to_sustain it."
1 Cor. 10:13, N.E.B.
[
451
Divine Healing
to accept God's will in preference to
our own desires? Matt. 26:39.
7.
What divinely appointed remedy
for human needs is available to the
child of God? James 5:16, last part.
NoTE.—"Prayer and faith are closely al-
lied, and they need to be studied together.
In the prayer of faith there is a divine
science; it is a science that everyone who
would make his lifework a success must
understand. Christ says, 'What things so-
ever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that
ye receive them, and ye shall have them.'
Mark 11:24. He makes it plain that our
asking must be according to God's will; we
must ask for the things that He has prom-
ised, and whatever we receive must be used
in doing His will. The conditions met, the
promise is unequivocal."—Education, pages
257, 258.
8.
What privilege do Christians
have in time of illness? James 5:
14, 15.
NOTE.—"When human help fails, God
will be the helper of His
people."—Counsels
on Health,
page 457.
"To those who desire prayer for their
restoration to health, it should be made
plain that the violation of God's law, either
natural or spiritual, is sin, and that in order
for them to receive His ble
ssing, sin must be
confessed and forsaken."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
page 228.
"There are cases where God works de-
cidedly by His divine power in the restora-
tion of health. But not
all
the sick are
healed. Many are laid away to sleep in
Jesus. John on the Isle of Patmos was
bidden to write: 'Blessed are the dead
which die in the Lord from henceforth:
Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest
from their labors; and their works do fol-
low them.' Revelation 14:13. From this we
see that if persons are not raised to health,
they should not on this account be judged
as wanting in faith."—Ibid., p. 230.
9.
What example did the Master set
by which we understand that our
prayers should indicate a willingness
10.
What experience of the apostle
Paul indicates that miraculous heal-
ing is not always for the best? 2 Cor.
12:7-9.
NorE.—"The way in which Christ worked
was to preach the Word, and to relieve suf-
fering by miraculous works of healing. But
I am instructed that we cannot now work
in this way, for Satan will exercise his
power by working miracles. God's servants
today could not work by means of miracles,
because spurious works of healing, claiming
to be divine, will be wrought.
"For this reason the Lord has marked out
a way in which His people are to carry
forward a work of physical healing, com-
bined with the teaching of the Word. Sani-
tariums are to be established, and with these
institutions are to be connected workers
who will carry forward genuine medical
missionary work. Thus a guarding influence
is thrown around those who come to the
sanitariums for treatment."—Selected
Mes-
sages,
b. 2, p. 54.
Christians Should Be Healthy
11.
What fundamental principle of
God's government should assure us
of that personal security which pro-
motes confidence and good health?
Matt. 22:35-40; John 15:12.
12.
What words of the Master offer
relief from the evils of present-day
strenuous living? Matt. 11:28-30.
NOTE.—"When in our daily experience we
learn His meekness and lowliness, we find
rest. There is then no necessity to search
for some mysterious science to soothe the
sick. We already have the science which
gives them real rest—the science of salva-
tion, the science of restoration, the science
of a living faith in a living Saviour."—
Medical Ministry,
page 117.
46 ]
13. What way to health is set forth
by the prophet Isaiah? Isa. 58:6-8.
NOTE.—"The life of Christ is before us
as a pattern, and it is when ministering, like
angels of mercy, to the wants of others
that man is closely allied to God. It is the
nature of Christianity to make happy fam-
ilies and happy members of society."—Sons
and Daughters of God,
page 258.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Is sickness a retribution for sin?
2.
May an awareness of guilt undermine
a person's resistance to disease?
3.
Was Hezekiah's prayer for healing a
prayer of presumption? See 2 Kings 20:
1-19.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
September 26, 1964
Far Eastern Division
The Far Eastern Division has almost 10 percent of the world's
population, to percent of the world membership of the Seventh-day
Adventist Church, and more than 53 percent of the world Sabbath
school membership. However, the percentages fall lower when we
speak of per capita wealth. For this reason, the Far Eastern Division
is unable to build churches and institutions to meet the needs of the
growing membership without outside help.
With 300,000,000 people in this territory, the medical needs and
opportunities are tremendous. This means hospitals and clinics. Of the
eight publishing houses throughout the field, only one has ever received
assistance from a Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow.
The fourfold increase in membership since World War II has in-
creased the need for training schools.
From the many needs in this great division, the following three
projects have been selected to benefit from the overflow on September
26: The North Celebes Training School; the Korean publishing house;
and the Hong Kong hospital.
Lessons for the Fourth Quarter, 1964
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the fourth quarter of 1964 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The title of the lessons for the quarter is "The Epistle to the
Galatians." The title of the first lesson is "Historical Background of the Epistle."
The memory verse is Acts 20:32. The texts to be studied are as follows:
Ques. 1. Acts 9:15.
Ques. 2. Acts 9:19, 20, 22.
Ques. 3. Acts 9:26-30; Gal. 1:15-21;
Acts 11:25, 26.
Ques. 4. Acts 13 ; 14.
Ques. 5. Acts 13 :42-48.
Ques. 6. Acts 15:1, 5.
Ques. 7. Acts 15: 6, 10, 11, 19, 20.
Ques. 8. Acts 15:30, 35.
Ques. 9. Acts 15:36.
Ques. 10. Acts 15:41; 16:1, 6-8.
Ques. 11. Acts 17:1, 5, 10, 13 ; 18:1, 4, 6.
Ques. 12. Acts 18:22, 23.
Ques. 13. Acts 20:29, 30.
Ques. 14. Acts 20:28, 31, 32.
f 47 I
FAR
EASTERN DIVISI •N
r
-t
JAPAN S
OREAN UNION
PUBLISHING 'HOUSE
01
1.1
1)
;
ARO] •
J
CNIN ISLAND
POPULATION
CIVIERtIS CO.MIN
92,103,030
366
23,124
28,538
95.760,003
60
5,409
9,277
24,994,117
174
20,082
83,967
13,208,535
432
29,475
35,264
14,426,872
28
6.073
17.258
13,820,715
522
51,320
80,169
63,666,450
72
7,932
13,113
146,100
6
477
542
1.800.800
6
305
781
INDONESIA
JAPAN
KOREAN
NOM PHILIPPINE
SOUTH CHINA ISLAND
SOUTH PHILIPPINE
SOUTHEAST ASIA
FAR EASTERN ISLAND MISS.
WEST NEW GUINEA MISS,
DIVISION TOTALS
IFimoros of lo.. 30, 1963)
319,122,789
1,666
144,197
268,509
PACIFIC • FAN
PRI
AI WAN
Formosa)
HOSPITAL
LUZON
PAC
NORTH PHILIPPINE
UNION \
N
s
UrS
-
Pn
\
SOUTM CHINA SEA
N
TRAINING SCHOOL
JESSILTON
MALAYA
KUALA LUMPUR
INDONESIAN UNION
JAVA
URI